Assessment and Evaluation of Simulation Data.
Abstract
Radiance data from the charged particle-stimulated ionosphere in the wave-length band 4.2-4.3 micrometers (from ICECAP/HAES multi-instrumented rocket A18.219-1, 1974) are evaluated; the performance of two diagnostic photometer systems flown on sounding rockets is assessed; a procedure for determining pointing relative to prompt and past air excitation of a rocketborne interferometric spectrometer (on IC630.02-1A (HIRIS II), 1976) is developed; and photometry and positioning data for 1976 aircraft flights at auroral latitudes to measure spatial structure in infrared radiance are presented. The radiation flux near 4.3 micrometers at low elevation angles (approximately 5-15 deg) has both layering irregularities and a component associated with prompt energy deposition in the atmosphere. The altitude structure is interpreted as an effect of adding collisional transfer of N2 vibrational energy excited by aurora-producing particles to the population of CO2(++) by transport of thermal radiation. Aeronomic mechanisms that could be responsible for the near-prompt infrared mechanism are reviewed critically, and further measurements to select among these processes and to identify the radiating molecular species are suggested. A photometer with wavelength response designed to simulate that of calibrated photographic cameras, such as were used to image the glows from past nuclear explosions, performed essentially as expected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA055884
Entities
People
- D. P. Villanucci
- G. Davidson
- I. L. Kofsky