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Explore neutral density variations within the southern auroral oval using satellite decay data. Analysis of high eccentricity satellite orbits reveals storm period patterns and implications for lower thermosphere density variations.
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Neutral Density Variations Within the Southern Auroral Oval Bruce R Bowman HQ AFSPC/A9AC DOD Distribution A Approved for public release Distribution unlimited
Acknowledgement I would like to thank Janet Green of the Space Weather Prediction Center for providing the NOAA/POES space environment monitoring data from the NOAA satellites.
Introduction • Decay of high eccentricity satellite 16125 with perigee location in the southern hemisphere • Neutral density variations during pre-storm period • Neutral density variations during storm period • Southern auroral oval variations during storm period • Conclusions
Day 042 Pre-Storm Perigee Passage 270° 180° 0° ω 90°
Day 044/2243 UT - Density High 270° 270° 180° 180° 0° 0° ω 90° 90°
Day 045/0544 UT - Density High 270° 270° ω 180° 180° 0° 0° 90° 90°
Day 045/ 2318 UT - Density High 270° 270° 180° 180° 0° 0° ω 90° 90°
Day 046/ 0614 UT - Density High 270° 270° ω 180° 180° 0° 0° 90° 90°
Day 045/ 1617 UT - Density Low 270° 270° 180° 180° 0° 0° ω 90° 90°
Day 046/ 1451 UT - Density Low 270° 270° ω 180° 180° 0° 0° 90° 90°
Day 047/ 1442 UT - Density Low 270° 270° ω 180° 180° 0° 0° 90° 90°
Day 048 End of Storm Perigee Passage 270° 180° 0° ω 90°
Storm Response Summary • Density response shows no more than 2hr lag from storm commencement • ~15% rise in density at density high longitudes • ~15% drop in density at density low longitudes • Density low values are more persistent as density highs drop as storm subsides
Conclusions • Density variations accurate to ~5% can be obtained from orbital drag analysis using accurate radar tracking data either side of the perigee passage. • Neutral density variations within the southern hemisphere auroral oval can be obtained from decays of high eccentricity satellite orbits. • This unique data set implies unmodeled longitudinal variations in neutral density in the lower thermosphere auroral zone. • Additional satellite decays are available for further analysis of density variations within the lower thermosphere.