Spectrophotometric Remote Sensing of the Diffuse Aurora.
Abstract
Auroral electron precipitation produces both E-region ionization and bremsstrahlung X-rays. In a set of coordinated observations these atmospheric effects of electron precipitation were measured simultaneously by the X-ray sensor on the DMSP/F2 spacecraft and by the incoherent-scatter radar at Chatanika, Alaska. In all data sets there was good agreement between the locations of the X-ray source regions and the regions of enhanced E-region ionization. Detailed comparisons were made between the measured and inferred altitude profiles of ionization for two auroral conditions, a premidnight auroral band and a sunlit diffuse aurora. These comparisons validate the ability to infer auroral ionization from satellite-based X-ray measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188599
Entities
People
- R. M. Robinson
- R. R. Vondrak
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space