A Correlation of Discrete and Diffuse Aurora with Particle Precipitation.
Abstract
Five polar orbiting satellite passes crossing the late evening auroral zone in the spring of 1972 were selected for correlation with all-sky camera data obtained from Alaskan All-sky camera chain of stations. Latitudinal profiles of the 0.6 to 40 kev electron total number flux, total energy flux and average energy are presented together with electron energy spectral displays which afford a detailed spectral analysis across the entire latitudinal extent of the electron precipitation region. The electron total number and energy flux profiles are morphologically interpreted as composed of background precipitation on which sit prominent peaks caused by one of three basic spectral changes in the otherwise Maxwellian or expontiallike background spectra. The prominent peaks and a large portion of the background precipitation correlate well with discrete auroral forms and broad regions of visible diffuse aurora respectively. A total particle energy flux threshold of 1 erg/sq cm sec is established for the production of auroral luminosity just visible to the 35mm all-sky cameras used along the Alaskan all-sky camera chain. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA032730
Entities
People
- Gerald J. Romick
- Richard S. Caverly