An Investigation of the Production of Nitric Oxide by Soft Solar X-Rays in the E-Region of the Ionosphere

Abstract

The production of nitric oxide by soft solar X-rays in the E-region of the ionosphere is investigated. An empirical expression for the variation in X-ray flux as a function of F10.7 is determined. This expression is incorporated into a one dimensional diffusive photochemical model to compute nitric oxide densities. The results of these calculations are compared with NO observations from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer satellite. Variations of X-ray flux by a factor of 30 over the solar cycle can explain the observed variation in nitric oxide densities. Keywords: Theses, Photochemical model, Nitric oxide, Solar X rays, Thermosphere.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA204855

Entities

People

  • Richard A. Dumas

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Ground Based
  • Ionization
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Ionosphere
  • Photochemical Reactions
  • Photochemistry
  • Quantum Yields
  • Radiation
  • Remote Sensing
  • Solar Cycle
  • Solar Radiation
  • Solar X Rays
  • Two Dimensional
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space