Theory of the Radio?Echo Meteor Height Distribution in a Non-isothermal Atmosphere

Abstract

SummaryThe theory of the distribution in height of the echoing points of shower meteors and of sporadic meteors belonging to a homogeneous velocity group, is extended to the case of a model atmosphere in which the scale height is a linear function of height. The mean and the r.m.s. deviation from the mean of the height distribution in this atmosphere are obtained in terms of tabulated functions, and the dependence of these parameters upon the scale height gradient is evaluated. Neither parameter varies strongly with the scale height gradient unless the incident meteors include a large proportion of massive particles. Experimental cut-off and the approximations made in the formulation of the theory limit the accuracy with which atmospheric scale height and density can be determined from observed heights of sporadic meteors.

A Southern Hemisphere Radio Survey of Meteor Streams

“…In assuming an isothermal atmosphere we have used an expression (Weiss 1959a) Pmax. ex: (cos xli V:;', (20) where pmax.…”

The Distribution of Meteor Masses for Sporadic Meteors and Three Showers

“…The only other method of measuring 8 for fainter meteors which has received adequate theoretical treatment is the height distribution method (Kaiser 1954;Weiss 1959). This is at a disadvantage in measuring distributions of meteor masses, as it is sensitive to the shape of the ionization curve and the dependence of the height of the trails on maximum line density.…”