[en] The source of O(1D) atoms in the auroral ionosphere is investigated using sounding rocket data. Previously, it has been shown that the conventional sources of O(1D) atoms in the aurora, dissociative recombination of O2(plus) and electron impact excitation of atomic oxygen, fail to explain the measured 6300 A volume emission rate profile. It is suggested that the atom-atom interchange reaction of N(2D) with O2 can be the major source of auroral 6300 A emission if O(1D) is created with high efficiency.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Rusch, D. W.; Michigan, University, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sharp, W. E.; Michigan, University, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Gérard, Jean-Claude ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Labo de physique atmosphérique et planétaire (LPAP)
Language :
English
Title :
The reaction of N/2D/ with O2 as a source of O/1D/ atoms in aurorae
Publication date :
01 December 1978
Journal title :
Geophysical Research Letters
ISSN :
0094-8276
eISSN :
1944-8007
Publisher :
American Geophysical Union, Washington, United States
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