The radio detection of meteor trails and allied phenomena

The results of a series of radio sounding observations on ( a ) transient bursts of atmospheric ionization, and ( b ) abnormal or sporadic E-layer ionization, are described and discussed. Special observations during the recent Giacobinid meteor shower of 10 October 1946 confirm that the ionization bursts which can be observed at all hours of the day are due to sporadic meteors. A statistical study of abnormal or sporadic E-layer ionization gives strong support to the view that, in temperate latitudes, this phenomenon is also largely ascribable to the same cause.