Clear evidence of obliauity appears in Fig. 3.18, particularly in the
first two ionogiams (at plus 73 and 79 min), followed by indications
of a return to normal (at plus 9 and 95 min). As illustrated by

these oxamples, the F2 returns were very irregular. Interpretation
in terms of a critical frequency and a minimum virtual height for the
F2 Jayer was difficult or impossible. Furthermore, throughout much
of this period, the lack of consistency from. me minute to the next
indicated rapid changes in io distribution, presumably resulting

ast

from motion of the air molecules,

:

Despite the irregularities, an attempt was made to analyze the
data recorded during this period. Ranges of height and frequency
values for the variow groups of echoes in the F2 regi were plotted
on work sheets. When these were examined, a tendency for the minimm
SL+S7M
800
600
400

200 “=
52.+¢60M

$$.+¢9M

“400 +

:
'

2 peeks

tf

“

za

ae

3

ore
ae ’

penne
sof
ub

i

oa
GE,

Be

>

rhebtd—

age

merida:

ltd

ob Ef

53.+63
+ m

Ferner
=
:
a ine

ee

+4

s

29

<9 oot Boge os:

o

cpu oe

0

eh

$4

ee

Bhd oo

-

J

3

,

pet ee
hpinmebeed
cpt fat

f

WW 56.+ 70M

,

ee

ve

oo

, e
Serr

4

os

tt

en

Rasy

is

¥E
7

epee

2

.

i004

2

ee

TE

3.

Fos

4

6

‘

&

os

0

4

WNC

Fig. 3.17 = Ionospheric Records at Rongerik Following Shot 4 by 57 to
70 min, Showing Echo Rising from 350 to 500 km Apparent

Height

a

SECRET

Select target paragraph3