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Kaiser, M. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Kaiser, M. L..

119 records · Page 7

New source location measurements of terrestrial kilometric radiation

Two dimensional source locations of individual terrestrial kilometric radiation (TKR) events were measured by the Radio Astronomy Explorer-2 (RAE-2) spacecraft in lunar orbit. Although the average source location is above the polar regions near the earth there are a significant number of events which occur at 7 RE from the earth. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence for multiple sources and source motion over the time scale of tens of minutes. Recent TKR mechanism theories which assume that the emission occurs at or near the local electron gyrofrequency would predict generation much closer to the earth's surface. It was suggested that alternative emission mechanisms (other than gyroemission) are required to explain all TKR events.

Kaiser, M. L.↗

Results of long-term synoptic monitoring of Jupiter's decametric radiation

Results of the analysis of the large, homogeneous set of measurements of Jupiter's emission at 16.7 and 22.2 MHz for the apparitions during the period 1966-1974 were presented. An update of the radio rotation period determination which includes provision for beaming effects due to variations in the Jovicentric declination of the earth was presented. Some estimates of the magnitude of possible long-term variations in the rotation period were also discussed. The data clearly shows the Io-independent emission features associated with the System III central meridian longitudes of all three major Io-related source regions. There is also some evidence for heretofore unrecognized Io-related emission features which are apparently independent of the central meridian longitude. The possibility of three kinds of emission are suggested: (1) Io-stimulated, sharply beamed emission, (2) Io-independent, sharply beamed emission, and (3) Io-stimulated, broadly beamed emission.

Alexander, J. K.↗

Implications of Pioneer-2 magnetic field models for Jupiter's decametric radio mission

The geometry and electron gyrofrequency were calculated for both the North and South feet of the Io-threaded flux tube at several altitudes as a function of sub-Io longitude for various multipole field models. The models predict a maximum surface gyrofrequency equal to the observed high frequency limit of the decameter-wave radio emission (DAM) and tend to favor a mechanism involving transverse propagation from a source in the Northern hemisphere. Calculations indicate that the beaming pattern of the emission may be determined by reflection from the ionosphere rather than by inherent beaming from the source region.

Alexander, J. K.↗

Earth as an intense planetary radio source - Similarities to Jupiter and Saturn

Observations from spacecraft have revealed naturally occurring radio emission emanating from two regions near earth. The characteristics of these two sources suggest a correlation with areas of known electron precipitation. The possibility of a similar production mechanism for observed nonthermal radio emissions from other planetary magnetospheres permits the polar magnetic field strengths of Jupiter and Saturn to be predicted.

Kaiser, M. L.↗

Scientific instrumentation of the Radio-Astronomy-Explorer-2 satellite

The instrumentation of the RAE-2 spacecraft is described. The instruments include a pair of long travelling-wave antennas, a 37-m dipole, two radiometers making one frequency scan every 144 sec, and two rapid-sampling total-power burst receivers which cover the range from 0.025 to 13.1 MHz in 32 discrete steps. Effects of terrestrial noise on RAE-1 and RAE-2 observations are discussed, and it is noted that RAE-2 is uniquely capable of observing repeated lunar occultations of strong radio sources at very low frequencies. Some observational programs are briefly noted, including observations of the galactic background distribution, measurements of lunar occultations of solar radio bursts, and searches for more radio sources among the planets, galactic objects, and extragalactic sources.

Alexander, J. K.↗

The solar elogation distribution of low frequency radio bursts

Over 500 days of low frequency (less than 5 MHz) radio observations from the IMP-6 spacecraft were accumulated to produce a two dimensional map (frequency versus elongation) of solar type III burst occurrences. This map indicates that most solar bursts are emitted at the second harmonic of the plasma frequency rather than the fundamental. The map also shows that the solar wind electron density varies.

Kaiser, M. L.↗

Calibration of a cylindrical RF capacitance probe

Ambient electron concentrations derived from observations with the Radio Astronomy Explorer 1 antenna capacitance probe have been compared with upper hybrid resonance measurements from the same spacecraft. From this comparison an empirical correction factor for the capacitance probe measurements has been derived. The differences between the two types of measurements is attributed to sheath effects.

Mosier, S. R.↗

Calibration of a cylindrical RF capacitance probe

The calibration is considered of an RF antenna capacitance probe carried aboard the RAE-1 spacecraft and the correction of the probe for external effects, believed to be primarily due to local positive ion sheaths and/or photoelectron sheaths surrounding the antenna. The RAE-1 spacecraft was launched in July 1968 into a 5850-km. Circular orbit of 121-degree inclination and carried several antenna and radiometer systems covering a frequency range of 0.2 to 9.2 MHz for radio astronomical studies. The RF capacitance probe measurements discussed utilized a 37-meter electric dipole antenna formed by two monopoles made of silver-coated beryllium-copper alloy tapes formed into hollow cylindrical tubes 1.3 cm in diameter.

Mosier, S. R.↗

Scientific instrumentation of the Radio-Astronomy-Explorer-2 satellite

The RAE-2 spacecraft has been collecting radio astronomical measurements in the 25 kHz to 13 MHz frequency range from lunar orbit since June, 1973. A summary is given of the technical aspects of the program including the calibration, instrumentation and operation of the RAE-2 experiments. Performance of the experiments over the first 18 months of the flight is summarized and illustrated. Among the unique features of the RAE-2 is the capability to observe repeated lunar occultations of strong radio sources at very low frequencies.

Alexander, J. K.↗

Observations of noise bands associated with the upper hybrid resonance by the Imp 6 radio astronomy experiment.

The intense noise bands occurring near the upper hybrid resonance frequency have been observed with the Imp 6 GSFC radio astronomy experiment in the plasmasphere. The identification of the upper hybrid resonance provides an accurate measure of the local electron density and allows the observed noise data to be fit to the scale of characteristic frequencies in the plasma. The data are consistent with earlier theoretical interpretations in which noise is generated between the upper hybrid and plasma frequencies and propagates to region 4 of the CMA diagram, where it is reflected at the L = 0 plasma cutoff.

Mosier, S. R.↗