The rotational speed of the upper atmosphere determined from changes in satellite orbits

摘要: Abstract Because the atmosphere rotates, a satellite is subjected to small lateral aerodynamic force which has effect of slightly changing inclination orbit equator. For an eastbound decreases, sometimes by as much 0.1°, and amount change measure angular velocity at heights near that satellite's perigee. In this paper upper determined examining changes in orbital all suitable satellites. Although information imperfect, useful values were obtained from 9 satellites, covering years 1958–63, 200–300 km latitudes 0–60°. If expressed Λ times Earth, exceed 1, ranging between 1.1 1.9, with mean 1.46 rms scatter 0.28. This corresponds west-to-east wind speed mid over 100 m/sec. The results thus indicate height rotates faster than Earth. A possible explanation suggested.