Upper-atmosphere wind measurements determined from twelve rocket experiments

Abstract

The atmosphere between 74 and 160 km is pictured as being composed of three rather distinct regions which are characterized by ‘globular,’ ‘cylindrical,’ and ‘spherical’ diffusion as applied to the growth of an initially spherical cloud. These regions are below 110 km, from 110 to 120 km, and above 120 km, respectively. Horizontal wind velocities for the region between 74 and 160 km above the Air Force Eglin Gulf Test Range, Florida, were computed from data obtained during 12 rocket flights in 1959 and 1960. Curves are presented to show the speed and direction of horizontal winds as a function of altitude. Detailed studies have been made of data obtained from three rocket flights in the ‘globular’ region between 97 and 111 km. Curves are presented to show both horizontal and vertical wind speeds.

Oxygen atom determination in the upper atmosphere by chemiluminescence of nitric oxide

“…The elevation angle from the camera to the 100 km altitude level was 39 ø, to the 140 km level 47 ø. Similar photographs were taken at sites 100 km west and 110 km north of the launch area, permitting a calculation of heights [Edwards et al, 1963]. These photos are called trail photos.…”

Features of sodium emission in nightglow

“…An extended discussion by Hunten & Godson (1967) on the relationship in the upper atmospheric sodium and the stratospheric warming suggests that a strong vertical mixing was responsible for the changes observed in sodium intensity. A concomitancy in 60 km and 30 km levels of atmosphere, through the weather maps of these levels, has been advocated by Finger et al (1963) and Edwards et al (1963) and in 70-80 km and 30 km levels by Huruhata (1965) who found a correlation between O H radiation and the height of 10 millibar surface. A theoretical model of Na abundance as proposed by Gadsden (1964) also suggests, though for long term variation, that the consideration of motions in this range of atmosphere was important.…”

Diffusion coefficients in the upper atmosphere from chemiluminous trails

“…Knowledge of the diffusion coefficient and temperature at the same time and altitude permits the determination of atmospheric density. EXPERIMENTAL The technique for depositing and photographing TMA trails in the upper atmosphere has been described previously [Rosenberg et al, , 1964Edwards et al, 1963].…”

“…Altitudes along the trail axis are identified by overlaying the contour map on photographs with altitude marks. The altitudes on the photographs are determined by triangulation techniques [Edwards et al, 1963]. The contour map is scanned perpendicular to the trail axis at the desired altitude intervals.…”