Magnetometric Equipment of the Third Soviet Artificial Earth Satellite

Abstract

EASUREMENTS of Earth's magnetic field in the upper atmosphere, as envisaged in the International Geophysi­ cal Year program, were accomplished in May-June 1958 on the third Soviet artificial Earth satellite (1) .1 For the first time, detailed information was obtained on the spatial distribution of Earth's magnetic field in the altitude range of 230-1880 km. Although the experimental data cov­ ered mainly the Eurasian region, south of the 65th parallel, they nevertheless permit the solution of some general ques­ tions of geomagnetism, since the magnetic field within the ter­ ritory of the Soviet Union contains all the peculiar features of structure of Earth's magnetic field—global anomaly, regional and local anomalies. The period during which the magnetic measurements were made (May 15-June 5) was marked both by disturbed and calm states of the magnetic field and hence was suitable for the investigation of questions relating to the variable part of Earth's magnetic field. The experimental results obtained were processed and ana­ lyzed. The results will be published as the work is completed. The present paper describes the construction of the mag­ netometer, questions relating to its mounting in the satellite, information characterizing the stability and precision of the apparatus, the nature of the experimental data obtained, and the method of allowing for the effect of magnetic deviation.