Abstract
Methods are developed for evaluating from experimental data the recombination coefficient between electrons and positive ions throughout the 24 hours in the ionosphere. Values of the recombination coefficient so determined are applied to calculation of ionospheric temperature from Thomson's relationship. Adoption of suitable reference temperatures and corresponding recombination coefficients is discussed. Composite atmospheric temperatures at noon are given for equinoctial period at the equator during sunspot minimum. Highest temperatures, of the order of 600K, are found at the height of 100km. Noon temperatures in the region 200–400 km appear to be of the order of 200K to 250K.

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