Auroral Imaging Program

这项拨款是为使用超敏感成像系统 记录和解释极光的快速变化模式 发光度 这些数据是用一台改装过的电视摄像机拍摄的， 在几分之一秒内的颜色和形状的变化可以稍后发生， 详细分析 复杂的形状出现在电流路径上 在地球磁场的影响下移动 电场和电导率的变化，部分原因是 潮流本身 螺旋和脉动等现象 极光是普遍存在的等离子体不稳定性的例子 但我们可以对其进行详细的研究 地面成像光谱仪和其他设备 从扑克平原和斯瓦尔巴德极光天文台。 录像带 这些图像的记录正在提供， 教育材料，并已广泛享有作为 展示自然环境之美。

This grant is for the use of ultra-sensitive imaging systems to record and interpret the rapidly changing patterns of auroral luminosity. The data is taken with a modified TV camera, so that changes of color and shape in a fraction of s second can be later analyzed in detail. The complex shapes arise as current paths move in the earth's magnetic field under the influence of electric fields and changes in conductivity caused in part by the currents themselves. Phenomena such as spirals and pulsating aurorae are examples of plasma instabilities that are ubiquitous throughout the cosmos, but which can be studied in some detail with ground based imaging and spectrographic and other equipment from the Poker Flat and Svalbad Auroral Observatories. Videotape recordings of these images are being made available as educational material, and have been widely enjoyed as demonstrating the beauty of the natural environment.