Satellite observations of electrons artificially injected into the geomagnetic field

Abstract

Our four radiation detectors in satellite 1958ε (Explorer IV) easily and promptly observed the geomagnetically trapped electrons resulting from the three high-altitude nuclear detonations Argus I, II, and III in August–September 1958. An account of over 160 satellite passes through the three Argus “shells” of artificially injected electrons is given herein, and a preliminary appraisal of the geophysical significance of these experiments is offered.