The Argus experiment

A geophysical experiment on global scale was conducted last fall. Three small A-bombs were detonated beyond the atmosphere at a location in the south Atlantic. The purpose of the experiment was to study the trapping of the relativistic electrons (produced by the β-decay fission fragments) in the geomagnetic field. The released electrons are trapped by this field oscillating along the magnetic lines between two mirror points. In addition to this motion the electrons drift eastward, creating a thin electron shell around the earth. The lifetime and location of the thus-created global electron shell were measured by satellite- and rocket-borne instruments. Auroral luminescence was observed at the conjugate points. The electron shell exhibited remarkable stability during its lifetime. No motion of the shell or change in its thickness was detected. This experiment was proposed by the writer a few weeks after the launching of the first Sputnik. After intensive investigations by several scientists it was decided by the end of April 1958 to go ahead with the experiment. All the necessary preparations were accomplished in the amazingly short time of 4 months. The usefulness of such electron shells for interpreting geophysical phenomena and possible future experiments are discussed.