EFFECT OF RADAR SENSITIVITY ON METEOR ECHO DURATIONS

Meteor echo durations were observed simultaneously with two radar systems having a power sensitivity ratio of 33 db. An experimental relation between echo duration and system sensitivity is obtained which shows that the duration of meteor echoes varies slowly, but significantly, with system parameters. Curves are furnished to correct observed durations to zenithal durations, applicable to any system using a horizontal half-wave dipole antenna.