Global distribution of night-time F2 peak density (INTERCOSMOS-19 data) Original Research Article

Global distribution of the night-time F layer maximum electron density was obtained by topside sounding on board the INTERCOSMOS-19 satellite (1979–1981, high solar activity). These data were compared with those provided by reference CCIR and URSI models. The fact of the presence of large-scale stationary electron density inhomogeneities was established. Explanation of their appearance could be by traditional modes, such as longitudinal variations of aeronomical parameters, and possibly terrestrial source effects.