Satellite Observation of Atmospheric Nuclear Gamma Radiation,
Abstract
A satellite observation of the spectrum of gamma radiation from the Earth's atmosphere is presented in the energy interval from 300 keV to 8.5 MeV. The data were accumulated by the Gamma Ray Spectrometer on the Solar Maximum Mission over three and one-half years. The excellent statistical accuracy of the data set allows 20 atmosphere line features to be distinguished. All observed lines are consistent with production by secondary neutron interactions with atmospheric 14N and d16O. Although, no evidence was found for other production mechanisms, direct excitation or spallation by primary protons cannot be ruled out as a source of atmospheric line radiation. Line intensities are in rough agreement with theoretical models which are presently limited by cross section availability. The intensity and spectrum of scattered photons at energies below the 0.511 MeV line can be accounted for by Compton scattering in a 21 g/sq cm 2 slab of atmosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA177937
Entities
People
- C. H. Tsao
- G. H. Share
- J. R. Letaw
- R. L. Kinzer
- R. Silberberg