An Investigation of the Excitation of Aeronomically Important Species by Electron Impact and Dissociative Recombination

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The analysis of the light emitted by atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere leads to a knowledge of the chemical and physical reactions taking place there as energy in the form of solar ultraviolet radiation is absorbed during the day, and in the form of high speed streams of electrons and positively charged atoms is absorbed at high latitudes at night. To relate the optical observations to specific chemical reactions and to infer upper atmosphere temperature and composition and energy inputs, it is necessary to perform controlled laboratory experiments to determine the parameters that need to be used in numerical models of the processes. This award is for laboratory work to provide such parameters for reactions involving nitrogen and oxygen atoms and molecules, and to help understand the production of nitric oxide in aurorae, that is subsequently transported downwards into the middle atmosphere and affects the concentration of ozone there.