POKER FLAT MST RADAR - 1ST RESULTS

We describe initial results obtained during the first 60 days of continuous operation of the MST radar under construction at Poker Flat, Alaska. Tropospheric‐stratospheric wind profiles obtained by the radar are compared with concurrent windsonde profiles. Mesospheric echoes between 57‐72 km are observed during daytime periods of ionospheric absorption. Mesospheric winds obtained following a stratospheric warming show a more easterly component than winds measured somewhat later. The present system, which is three orders of magnitude less sensitive than the final system, is also capable of measuring ten day average winds between 83‐95 km via meteor trail echoes. This paper is not subject to U.S. copyright.