Local electron densities deduced from the Faraday fading of satellite transmissions using measurements during two consecutive transits

Abstract

A simplified method for analysis of the Faraday fading measurements is described. With a satellite of circular orbit, both the total electron content between observer and satellite and the direction of the magnetic field in the ionosphere can be calculated. For all other orbits the local electron density must be taken into consideration. From measurements of the Faraday fading frequency during at least two consecutive transits the total electron content and the local electron density can be calculated as a function of satellite altitude on the following assumptions: ( a) During the period of time comprising two consecutive transits the relative gradients of local electron density are constant at the same altitudes. ( b) The local electron density at altitudes above the F2 maximum during a period of time comprising two consecutive transits changes as does the electron density within the maximum of the F2 layer. The method has been applied to the daytime observations of 1958 δ2 on the 12 and 29 of September 1959.