Solar Eclipse (1979). Part II. Initial Results for Ionization Sources, Electron Density, and Minor Neutral Constituents.

Abstract : The 26 February 1979 solar eclipse provided a unique opportunity to investigate the properties of the middle atmosphere and lower ionosphere. This event served as the focal point of a cooperative field measurements program involving the US Army Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory, the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Wallops Flight Center), and the National Research Council of Canada. This report surveys the initial data and findings of the two Army sponsored Nike-Orion rockets launched during the eclipse period. Measurements were provided of electron density, ionization sources, and critical minor constituents. The electron density profile showed a rather broad peak near 100 km with a maximum density of about 200,000 1 cc. Measurements of ionization sources confirm the fact that during the eclipse period a particle precipitation event was in progress that largely dominated the ionization in the D and E regions.