The detection of atmospheric waves produced by the total solar eclipse of 11 August 1999

In previous attempts to detect eclipse-induced AGW, it has always been difficult to establish a direct link between individual waves and a specific source. This study reports observations of travelling ionospheric disturbances made in the UK at the time of the total solar eclipse of 11 August 1999. The speed and direction of the waves were estimated by a four-station array using the HF Doppler technique. In addition, the wave observations were supported by two other propagation paths, one in the north of England close to the main array and the other further afield, between the UK and Sweden. The AGW activity following the eclipse totality was different to the background waves detected before this time in amplitude, speed and direction. The velocity vectors are consistent with a generating mechanism for the waves based on the supersonic passage of the cooled region of the atmosphere during the eclipse. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.