Mesospheric Density Variability Based on Recent Meteorological Rocket Measurements

Abstract

Seasonal and latitudinal variability of density between 30 and 68 km is presented. These data have been derived from direct temperature and height measurements made with meteorological rockets fired at White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex., and Fort Churchill, Canada, during 1960?1962 Meteorological Rocket Network and associated research and development activities. Some of the more significant features are the wider seasonal range at northern latitudes, the absence of significant latitudinal variation during the summer, the greatest variation in the fall and winter at northern latitudes and the overall variation that is indicated in the general region of 50 to 60 kin, as much as 50 per cent in some cases. The need for both seasonal and latitudinal standard atmospheres where standards are required is clearly demonstrated. Also, the feasibility of providing timely density measurements for direct application is evident.