Citation

Abstract

A radio technique, exploiting the opposite changes of group and phase velocity in a dynamic plasma, was used to probe the solar corona during the superior conjunctions of the Mariner VI and VII spacecraft. From an analysis of range and doppler radio metric data generated by the DSN in tracking the spacecraft, it was possible to establish a correspondence between plasma fluctuations in the radio raypath and McMath sunspot regions on the solar surface. Estimates of 3000 electrons/cm’ and scale sizes of 6 X 10+ and 2 X 10° km were made for plasma clouds transiting the radio path when tracking within a few degrees of the sun.

Details

Volume
I
Published
February 15, 1971
Pages
14–21
File Size
908.4 KB