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Kane, J. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Kane, J. A..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Shortcomings in our understanding of the lower ionosphere as revealed by an analysis of radiowave absorption measurements

The present knowledge of ion production and loss processes in the D- and lower E-regions is evaluated with reference to a series of equatorial ground-based radiowave absorption measurements. An equatorial noontime reference electron density profile, corresponding to a nonflaring sun at solar cycle maximum, is derived on the basis of multifrequency absorption and virtual height measurements and data from a rocket-borne investigation. It is found that the Meira (1971) nitric oxide profile does not agree with the Gnanalingan (1974) empirical expression relating absorption to solar flux. Meira's densities below 90 km must be reduced by a factor of about 5 in order to correspond. A wide disparity is observed between the effective recombination coefficient and the average dissociative recombination coefficient for the known ion composition in the lower ionosphere. A study of diurnal variations of radiowave absorption and virtual height shows a great disagreement between calculated and measured values.

Gnanalingam, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Observations of the mid-latitude lower ionosphere in winter

Rocket observations of the lower ionosphere in the winter of 1971 at two locations show differences of electron density which are attributed to enhancements of nitric oxide and energetic electron fluxes precipitated into the mesosphere during the poststorm phase of a geomagnetic storm. Electron density distributions were observed above Wallops Island, Virginia, and Keweenaw, Michigan, larger values occurring at Keweenaw. Energetic electron fluxes were greater at Keweenaw (L = 3.9) than at Wallops Island (L = 2.5). While particle ionization was the dominant factor in establishing the electron density during one measurement at Keweenaw, particles were not present two days earlier, even though the electron density distribution was significantly larger than that observed at Wallops Island on both occasions. An accompanying ion composition profile measured at Keweenaw during the earlier flight showed NO(+) to be the dominant ion to 76 km, where the concentration of hydrated ions H3O(+).(H2O)n, exceeded that of NO(+).

Aikin, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A study of electron density profiles in relation to ionization sources and ground-based radio wave absorption measurements, part 2

The D-region ion production functions are used to calculate the relationship between radio wave absorption and the flux level of X-rays in the 1-8A wavelength band. In order to bring this calculation into agreement with the empirically established relationship, it was found necessary to reduce by, a factor of about 5, the Meira nitric oxide densities below 90 km.

Gnanalingam, S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Evidence for the existence of negative ions in the D and lower E regions at twilight

Evidence for negative ions in the lower ionosphere is based on the difference between simultaneously measured profiles of electron and positive ion density. The electron density profiles reported were obtained from ground-to-rocket radio wave absorption measurements while Gerdien ion traps were used to measure the positive ion profiles. Results from a series of three rockets launched from Thumba, India near sunset on 27 March, 1970 indicate that a significant number of negative ions are formed at altitudes as high as 95 km at twilight.

Kane, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Rocket measurements of ion and electron densities in the D- and lower E-regions near sunrise

Positive-ion and electron densities were measured in the 75 to 110 km altitude range with the aid of two rockets launched from White Sands near sunrise. The solar zenith angles were 91 and 79 deg respectively. The densities were derived from measurements made by an ion collector and from data obtained with a Faraday rotation technique capable of detecting electrons in the D-region. It has been found that in the 80-95 km altitude range, electron detachment from negative ions takes place mainly at zenith angles of less than 91 deg. The source of the high positive-ion density (N(+) approximately 700/cu cm) at an altitude of 75 km just before sunrise is presumed to be scattered Lyman alpha radiation which is ionizing nitric oxide.

Pedersen, A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Rocket measurements of ion and electron densities in the D-region during sunrise.

Results from two rockets launched near sunrise at White Sands, N. Mex., when positive ion and electron densities were measured in the D-region for solar zenith angles of 91 and 79 deg. The measurements cover the height range 80 to 110 km and complement previous vlf observations and rocket measurements of electron density. It is shown that the majority of negative ions in this height range are detached near to after ground sunrise. On the basis of these measurements it is possible to discuss electron affinity of negative ions and ion production functions during twilight.

Pedersen, A.↗