Electron loss coefficients for the D-region of the ionosphere from rocket measurements during the eclipses of March 1970 and November 1966

Abstract

Recombination-like electron loss coefficients measured during the March 1970 eclipse coincide with those from the November 1966 eclipse and range from 2 × 10 −7 cm 3s −1 at Z 0 + 6 km to 5 × 10 −5 cm 3 s −1 at Z 0- 2 km, where Z 0 is the altitude of the steep gradient of electron concentration. During totality; Z 0 was 82.5 km in 1970, and 86.8 km in 1966. For full-sun conditions, Z 0 was 84 km on both eclipse days. Attachment-like electron loss coefficients from both eclipses are in good agreement below Z 0, and have a nearly constant value of about 8 × 10 −3 s −1. Below Z 0, attachment-like loss rates agree with production rates, i.e. electron concentration is proportional to electron production.