Photoionization in the F region

Data were recently presented on the rate of photoionization on the basis of already extant measurements of absorption cross sections, particle densities, and solar spectrum intensities. An interesting result is obtained by investigating the electron concentration in the F region. Using N(h) profiles it is possible to determine not only the course of temperature with reference to altitude but also the absorption of the ionizing radiation. Transmission curves are obtained thus showing the decrease of energy of the entering radiation during its passage through the absorbing gas. (W.D.M.)