Phase and Amplitude Scintillation Statistics at 244 MHz from Goose Bay Using a Geostationary Satellite.

: Phase and amplitude scintillation measurements made at 244 MHz from Goose Bay using the geostationary satellite Fleetsat are presented. An extended dynamic range receiver with an extremely stable local oscillator measured the phase variations with the precision of a coherent system subject to certain limitations. The data were obtained for a 10-month period in 1979 during a high sunspot epoch to extend the limited temporal coverage of the orbiting Wideband satellite data. The report presents scintillation statistics in the manner required for communications system planning. The nighttime phase scintillations showed maximum occurrence during the spring and increased greatly in relation to the amplitude scintillations during times of significant magnetic activity. The increase of phase scintillations in relation to amplitude scintillations was attributed to an enhanced ionospheric drift during times of magnetic disturbances. The phase spectral index of the Fleetsat data was found to be larger than that determined from Wideband data. To further our understanding of auroral irregularity generation mechanisms, this report also presents a case study of energetic particle precipitation spectra, the topside thermal density response of such precipitation and the coordinated phase and amplitude perturbation spectra created by such an energy input into the ionosphere.