Atmospheric density derived from the drag of eleven low-altitude satellites

The method used for determining density from satellite tracking data is outlined, and the results of density reduction calculations for eleven low-altitude satellites are presented. Correlations between the density fluctuations and the planetary 3-hour index of geomagnetic activity, Kp, are discussed with respect to the time lag and amplitude of the geomagnetic heating. A daily periodicity in the satellite accelerations, which is attributed to an earth-fixed density bulge, is also discussed.