Comparison of OGO 6 measured thermospheric temperatures with the MSIS‐86 empirical model

Abstract

The thermospheric temperatures measured by the Fabry-Perod interferometer on the OGO 6 satellite are found to be reasonably represented by the mass spectrometer/incoherent scatter 1986 (MSIS-86) empirical model except for two anomalies, one in the South Atlantic and the other near noon local time. These anomalies are likely due to measurement problems. The OGO 6 temperature data were not used in the generation of the MSIS models, so this is an independent comparison of measured and model temperatures. The measurements were made primarily during daytime at mid to low latitudes and throughout the day at high latitudes. On average, the measured temperatures are 16 K below the MSIS-86 model temperatures. Latitude gradients during solstices as well as for the yearly average are well represented by the model, as are high-latitude longitudinal and magnetic activity variations.

Dynamics of the Earth's Thermosphere: A Review

“…Neither altitude nor solar cycle variations are included in the model due to lack of data coverage, and it is only valid above about 220 km where the data coverage is best and viscosity reduces the wind variation with height. The HWM87 predictions for low and mid‐latitude winds are similar to previously published ground‐based measurements [ Hedin et al , 1988]. Recently, satisfactory agreement has been obtained between the HWM87 predictions and both ground‐based [ Miller et al , 1990; Biondi et al , 1990b; Oliver et al , 1990] and space‐based [ Burrage et al , 1990] wind measurements.…”

“… Hedin and Thuillier [1988] obtained very good agreement between MSIS‐86 predictions and optical Fabry‐Perot temperature data from the OGO‐6 satellite, which were not incorporated in the MSIS models. The measured temperatures were only 16K below the MSIS‐86 temperatures on average.…”

“…An empirical global model of thermospheric winds is also now available [ Hedin et al , 1988]. Known as HWM87 (horizontal wind model), it is analogous to the MSIS models, but is based only on wind data obtained from the AE‐E and DE‐2 satellites.…”

N I 8680‐ and 8629‐Å multiplets in the dayglow

“…The accuracy of the neutral temperature calculated by MSIS also influences the results of the present study. Hedin and Thuillier [1988] have shown that MSIS-86 reproduced temperature data from the OGO 6 satellite to within about 100 K. Such temperature uncertainties were found to significantly affect the spectral fit of the 1 PG band but had a negligible impact on the fitted N I multiplet intensities. The electron impact cross sections for the N I multiplets and N 2 1 PG were obtained from laboratory studies.…”

Sensitivities Of The MSIS-86 Thermosphere Model

“…This version has been extensively used for comparing model predictions with measurements; see [1], [6], [14] for instance. The MSIS model is based on extensive insitu data measurements from numerous rocket probes and satellites (OGO 6, San Marco 3, AEROS-A, AE-C, AE-D, AE-E, ESRO 4, and DE 2) as well as ground-based incoherent scatter radars (Millstone Hill, St. Santin, Arecibo, Jicamarca, and Malvern).…”