Atomic oxygen densities in the lower thermosphere as derived from in situ 5577-A night airglow and mass spectrometer measurements

Offermann, D.; Drescher, A.

doi:10.1029/ja078i028p06690

Cited by 51 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 19 publications

(6 reference statements)

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“…Several optical techniques have been used for in situ measurements on rockets that probe emission, absorption or fluorescence of atomic oxygen or species that are linked to it by a known reaction chain. Measurement of the so-called airglow is a method with a rather low instrumental complexity which determines the intensity of natural emissions involving O reactions at various wavelengths (e.g., Offermann and Drescher, 1973). This technique basically requires only photometers and appropriate filters.…”

Section: Eberhart Et Al: Measurement Of Atomic Oxygen In the Middmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement of atomic oxygen in the middle atmosphere using solid electrolyte sensors and catalytic probes

et al. 2015

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Abstract. The middle-and upper-atmospheric energy budget is largely dominated by reactions involving atomic oxygen (O). Modeling of these processes requires detailed knowledge about the distribution of this oxygen species. Understanding the mutual contributions of atomic oxygen and wave motions to the atmospheric heating is the main goal of the rocket project WADIS (WAve propagation and DISsipation in the middle atmosphere). It includes, amongst others, our instruments for the measurement of atomic oxygen that have both been developed with the aim of resolving density variations on small vertical scales along the trajectory. In this paper the instrument based on catalytic effects (PHLUX: Pyrometric Heat Flux Experiment) is introduced briefly. The experiment employing solid electrolyte sensors (FIPEX: Flux φ(Phi) Probe Experiment) is presented in detail. These sensors were laboratory calibrated using a microwave plasma as a source of atomic oxygen in combination with mass spectrometer reference measurements. The spectrometer was in turn calibrated for O with a method based on methane. In order to get insight into the horizontal variability, the rocket payload had instrument decks at both ends. Each housed several sensor heads measuring during both the up-and downleg of the trajectory. The WADIS project comprises two rocket flights during different geophysical conditions. Results from WADIS-1 are presented, which was successfully launched in June 2013 from the Andøya Space Center, Norway. FIPEX data were sampled at 100 Hz and yield atomic oxygen density profiles with a vertical resolution better than 9 m. This allows density variations to be studied on very small spatial scales. Numerical simulations of the flow field around the rocket were done at several points of the trajectory to assess the influence of aerodynamic effects on the measurement results. Density profiles peak at 3 × 10 10 cm −3 at altitudes of 93.6 and 96 km for the up-and downleg, respectively.

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Section: Eberhart Et Al: Measurement Of Atomic Oxygen In the Middmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement of atomic oxygen in the middle atmosphere using solid electrolyte sensors and catalytic probes

et al. 2015

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“…21,22 Later, more sophisticated rocket experiments ensued. [23][24][25] More recently, mass spectrometers have been flown on the space shuttle ͑missions STS-4 and STS-46͒ to perform dedicated AO experiments. 26 -28 Several variants of mass spectrometer have been flown in the upper atmosphere, the main distinction being the type of mass analyzer used.…”

Section: A Mass Spectrometersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satellite and rocket-borne atomic oxygen sensor techniques

Osborne¹,

Harris

Roberts

et al. 2001

Review of Scientific Instruments

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Neutral atomic oxygen (AO)—the dominant atmospheric species at typical low Earth orbit altitudes—is responsible for the erosion, or other degradation, of many satellite materials. Therefore, AO has become an important consideration for spacecraft designers and manufacturers. The study of AO is also of interest to atmospheric physicists because it is involved in many of the chemical reactions occurring naturally in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Both these groups rely on atmospheric models for computer-based simulation and prediction of atomic oxygen concentrations. Such models require, or are enhanced by, empirical input data—that is, actual measurements of AO number densities. A review is presented of the different measurement techniques that, to date, have been used on satellites and sounding rockets to perform AO studies. Rather than reporting results from every sensor application, this article takes a more general view of the experimental methods, using example devices to highlight their advantages and disadvantages. New or promising equipment, or techniques that could be exploited for performing such measurements, are also described. We attempt some semiquantitative comparison of the techniques, although the most appropriate experimental method for any given flight opportunity depends heavily on the mission conditions and science goals. Our emphasis is on missions where the available mass and power are limited. In these situations the most suitable established device is probably that of the thin film actinometer. If more risk can be assumed then a more promising, but as yet unqualified, method is that of the fiber-optic reflectance sensor. However, since both these devices are nonreusable, it is shown that semiconducting sensors may be better for long duration, mass- and power-limited applications.

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“…A description of this procedure, as applied to narrow angle data, is given by Hapgood and Taylor [1982]. To correct for geometrical distortion arising from nonparallel lines of sight in the image itself, the outline of prominent wave crests in each image was traced and mapped onto the ground, assuming a centroid emission altitude of 87 km for the OH emission [Baker and Stair, 1988], 90 km for the Na emission [Greer and Best, 1967], and 94 km for the 02 and 96 km for the OI (557.7 nm) emissions [Offermann and Drescher, 1973]. For each wave event, measurements from a time series of images and maps were used to determine the mean horizontal wavelength, observed phase speed, and predominant direction of motion (usually determined to within an accuracy of _+5ø).…”

Section: Imaging Gravity Wavesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Observational evidence of wave ducting and evanescence in the mesosphere

Isler¹,

Taylor²,

Fritts³

1997

J. Geophys. Res.

128

142

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These results suggest that ducted waves are relatively common in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere region, at least over the mid-Pacific Ocean. As small-scale waves which are ducted have the potential to travel much longer horizontal distances than freely propagating waves, the frequency of their occurrence should be taken into account in efforts to quantify gravity wave effects at these altitudes.

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Atomic oxygen densities in the lower thermosphere as derived from in situ 5577-A night airglow and mass spectrometer measurements

Cited by 51 publications

References 19 publications

Measurement of atomic oxygen in the middle atmosphere using solid electrolyte sensors and catalytic probes

Measurement of atomic oxygen in the middle atmosphere using solid electrolyte sensors and catalytic probes

Satellite and rocket-borne atomic oxygen sensor techniques

Observational evidence of wave ducting and evanescence in the mesosphere

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