def calculate_param_b(
        operating_frequency: float,
        atmosphere_height_of_max: float,
        atmosphere_semi_width: float,
        atmosphere_max_plasma_frequency_squared: float) -> float:
    """
    Calculates the B parameter following Hill 1979
    """
    atmosphere_base_height = atmosphere_height_of_max - atmosphere_semi_width
    top = -2 * atmosphere_height_of_max * atmosphere_max_plasma_frequency_squared * atmosphere_base_height ** 2
    bottom = (operating_frequency * atmosphere_semi_width) ** 2
    return top/bottom