Observation of double-layer-like structures at rocket altitudes

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty large amplitude electric field pulses in a rocket flight to an apogee of 585 km over an aurora have been observed. While the limitations of the instrumentation only allow limits to be set on the characteristics of these pulses, the limits are nevertheless significant. A typical lower limit on the potential jump of the pulses is about .4 volts. Many of the pulses show structure at a frequency very close (less than 2 percent) to the proton-cyclotron frequency.