Global behavior of the ionosphere at 1000-kilometer altitude

摘要: Explorer 22 electrostatic probe measurements of electron temperature (Te) and concentration (Ne) at the 1000-km level during period from November 1964 to May 1965 are presented discussed. Precession orbital plane this has permitted resolution two full diurnal cycles ionospheric behavior altitude, one centered on winter solstice vernal equinox. In both seasons, latitudinal distributions Ne Te reveal a modulation middle low latitudes that appears consistent with mechanism thermal expansion contraction protonosphere along geomagnetic field lines. Although there is strong tendency toward symmetry about magnetic equator, an important seasonal effect evident as enchancement throughout summer hemisphere. Interpretation equatorial in terms processes photoelectron heating, local cooling via ions neutrals, conduction permits conclusions that: (1). diffusive equilibrium exists protonosphere, even sunrise sunset; (2) observed near equator mutually equilibrium, day night; (3) region inconsistent present neutral atmosphere models but suggests existence 5 × 105 cm−3 atoms hydrogen 1000 km. This article contains supplementary material.