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Singh, R. N.

Publications and source records attributed to Singh, R. N..

A re-examination of impulsive VLF signals in the night ionosphere of Venus

Consideration is given to the impulsive electrical signals clustered around periapsis which were observed by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter Electric Field Detector. The study of these signals by Singh and Russell is repeated, taking into account the telemetry errors noted by Taylor and Cloutier (1988). It is found that there is naturally occurring noise in the dark ionosphere of Venus near periapsis. The absolute rates of occurrence are determined, showing differences with the results from the original study.

Russell, C. T.↗

Waves on the subsolar ionopause of Venus

The subsolar ionopause of Venus is expected to be stable to both the Kelvin-Helmholtz and flute instabilities. However, magnetic profiles obtained in the subsolar region indicate that the surface of the ionopause contains large amplitude corrugations, perhaps incipient flux ropes. A possible mechanism for destabilizing the boundary is suggested by the observation that the ion density does not drop abruptly at the ionopause but continues to decrease smoothly into the magnetosheath.

Russell, C. T.↗

Further evidence for lightning on Venus

Impulsive electrical signals at all frequencies recorded by the plasma wave instrument on Pioneer Venus are found to cluster around periapsis. The signals are strongest at 100 Hz and have a secondary peak at 5.4 kHz. These characteristics are consistent with generation by lightning in the Venus atmosphere and the direct propagation of whistler mode signals below the electron gyro frequency and the partial transmission of electromagnetic waves in the presence of electron density inhomogeneities above the electron gyro frequency. The scattering by electron density inhomogeneities may also weaken any correlation with surface topographical features. Thus, the source of these signals may either be intercloud lightning at high altitudes or lightning in volcanic plumes near the ground, despite the large scatter in inferred source locations.

Singh, R. N.↗

Photoelectron escape fluxes over the equatorial and midlatitude regions

Satellite measurements of photoelectron escape flux around noontime made by Explorer 31 in 600-800 km altitude range are reported for the equatorial and midlatitude regions. The pitch angle distributions and the spectral distributions are derived from the data. Analyzed data show that the flux for equatorial regions is lower by a factor 2 to 3 in comparison to that of midlatitude regions. Theoretical calculations are also made to compare with observed escape fluxes.

Narasingarao, B. C.↗