Elevation, Height, and Electron Density of Echoing Points of Meteor Trails

Abstract

8urwmaryContinuous and systematic operation of a C.W. equipment which measures simultaneously several characteristics of meteor echoes, including the location in space of the reflection point, provides the basic material for an examination of the geometry of detection of meteor trails by radio equipments and of the processes underlying selection of echoes for measurements of different kinds.At least 60 per cent. of all echoes are distorted in some degree, presumably by atmospheric turbulence or by non-specular reflection. This and selection in height due to diffusion of the trail are the two most important selection processes.The distribution of the echoing points of sporadic meteors, in zenith angle and in height, is compared with theoretical expectation. Height distributions found for Arietid and r;-Perseid meteors agree with other measurements. The height distribution for the Geminid shower is unexpectedly narrow, a fact for which no satisfactory explanation can be advanced. Distributions of electron line densities at reflection points agree qualitatively with known mass distributions and trail shapes.

Calculation of the Areas Most Likely to Appear Suitable for Communication Meteor Trails

“…The number of free electrons per length unit of meteor trail defines linear electron density α. Its variation along meteor trail defined by the expression [1]- [3]…”

“…where m and v are mass and velocity of meteoroid during entering in the meteor region The height of the ionization maximum is given by the relation [3] h max = 47.4 + 12.76 ln v.…”

“…I N order to design meteor communication system it is necessary to have an ability to calculate signal intensity in the receiving point and the areas most likely to appear in the zone of radio visibility of the meteor trails with the specular reflection point [1]- [3].…”