Meteor radar temperatures at multiple sites derived with SKiYMET radars and compared to OH, rocket and lidar measurements

Temperatures determined with SKiYMET meteor radars at multiple sites have been compared with various types of other temperature determinations including rocket, lidar and OH instruments. The comparison is used both for validation purposes and to refine the temperature gradient model that is required in order to achieve optimum performance from the meteor system. Sites involved include Resolute Bay (Canada), Esrange (Sweden), Andoya (Norway), Juliusruh (Germany), London (Canada) and Cachoeira Paulista, near Sao Paulo (Brazil). Specific points of note are discussed, both in regard to areas of good and of poorer agreement. Finally, a map is produced demonstrating the accuracy of meteor measurements of temperature as a function of latitude and month of the year. It is concluded that over most of the globe the meteor method produces 2-day mean temperatures with accuracies of +/-10 K or better, but in some seasons and at some latitudes the errors are a little larger. The ability of meteor radars to take measurements during 24 h of the day, and 365 days of the year, is emphasized.