Meterological Rocket Data Processor and Results from the Solar Eclipse of 7 March 1970

Forrest L. Staffanson Electrical Engineering Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112

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Shigetaka Kikkawa Electrical Engineering Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112

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R. Gary Phibbs Electrical Engineering Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112

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Abstract

A comprehensive digital computer program is described which automatically processes precision digitized data from conventional rocketsondes and radars to produce accurately corrected temperatures and winds together with estimated uncertainties at each point. Underlying models for the systematic errors in the Arcasonde 1A temperature sensor and the radar-tracked parachute wind sensor, and for the uncertainty in corrected results are presented. Techniques used to automatically edit, synchronize and filter data are also given. Performance is illustrated by graphical output from the eight meteorological soundings in the rocket series conducted at Wallops Island, Va., during the 7 March 1970 solar eclipse. An operational version (METROK) of the program is in use at NASA Wallops Station.

Abstract

A comprehensive digital computer program is described which automatically processes precision digitized data from conventional rocketsondes and radars to produce accurately corrected temperatures and winds together with estimated uncertainties at each point. Underlying models for the systematic errors in the Arcasonde 1A temperature sensor and the radar-tracked parachute wind sensor, and for the uncertainty in corrected results are presented. Techniques used to automatically edit, synchronize and filter data are also given. Performance is illustrated by graphical output from the eight meteorological soundings in the rocket series conducted at Wallops Island, Va., during the 7 March 1970 solar eclipse. An operational version (METROK) of the program is in use at NASA Wallops Station.

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