The midnight density maximum in the S Marco V and the S Marco III equatorial density data sets

In a previous paper we showed some systematic deviations of the S. Marco V drag balance equatorial density data with respect to the MSIS86 model. We interpreted these deviations as due, at least in part, to the presence of a variable ''Midnight Density Maximum'' (MDM). In the data, there was in fact evidence of some altitude and seasonal variation of this pattern. In the present paper we consider, besides the S. Marco V data base (density measured during 1988), the S. Marco III data base, collected in 1971 almost in the same seasonal period and altitude range, with an instrument very similar to that of the S. Marco V. The use of both data sets is allowing a rather detailed description of the phenomenon as seen by the DBI instrument, for what concerns both the ''seasonal'' and altitude variations. In addition also some longitude effects are evidenced, for instance, by the MITS and QUITO data subsets of S. Marco III, taken respectively around 40 degrees and 280 degrees East longitude. Notice in addition that S. M. III data refer to the year 1971 (descending part of solar cycle 20) while SMV was launched in 1988 (ascending part of solar cycle 22); the comparison is thus allowing to evidence the persistence of the phenomenon and of its main characteristics. The observed data are consistent ''at large'' for both S. Marco III and V, while the differences in the details are providing hints on the mechanisms of the thermospheric dynamics (tidal theory and neutral-charged interactions). The paper presents the above said features together with a discussion on the characteristics of the two data bases and on their possible relevance for modeling the considered MDM feature.