Traac observations of the artificial radiation belt from the July 9, 1962, nuclear detonation

A 302 Geiger counter on the Traac satellite has provided data about omnidirectional electron fluxes in the region 0.20≤B≤0.34 gauss and 1.1≤ L≤2.4 earth radii after the July 9, 1962, nuclear explosion. Data taken 1 and 9½ hours after the explosion show a decay of a factor of ∼50 in the flux seen at B = 0.230 gauss, L = 1.216 earth radii. Data taken between July 10 and 18 have been used to establish contours of constant flux. They appear to show a shift of particle mirror points to higher values of B in the L region ∼1.7 to ∼2.0 on July 14, 1962 or an increase in flux from an unknown source.