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Monitoring ionospheric irregularities in the southern auroral region by means of a satellite beacon
Author(s) -
Lambert Malcolm,
Cohen E. A.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs021i003p00347
Subject(s) - tec , ionosphere , equinox , total electron content , satellite , latitude , geomagnetic latitude , geostationary orbit , earth's magnetic field , noon , f region , trough (economics) , faraday effect , geology , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , geodesy , environmental science , geography , geophysics , physics , astronomy , quantum mechanics , magnetic field , economics , macroeconomics
During 1984 total electron content (TEC) data were gathered from Melbourne, a mid‐latitude station, and from Macquarie Island in the southern auroral zone, using the Faraday rotation of geostationary satellite signals. Large‐scale fluctuations in the TEC due to auroral activity were observed from Macquarie Island, and some of these disturbances were seen to propagate towards Melbourne with speeds of 200 to 1,000 m/s. Large‐scale rapid decreases in TEC were observed during the evening hours of about one third of autumn equinox days studied. These decreases occurred at a geomagnetic latitude of approximately 60°S and could be associated with the main ionospheric trough travelling through the ray path from the satellite to the receiving station.