Spectroscopic and Interferometric Studies of Airglow and Auroral Processes in the Antarctic Upper Atmosphere Over the South Pole Station

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It is the purpose of this grant to establish a spectroscopic observatory at South Pole Station using a Elbert-Fastie spectrometer and a Michelson interferometer. These instruments will be used to study infrared and optical emissions during the polar night. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the effects of gravity waves, tides and planetary waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. It is also hoped that the investigator's previous observations of helium emissions in the polar cusp over Svalbard can be duplicated at South Pole and explained. The new South Pole instrumentation will complement the similar observatory in Svalbard and also be a significant addition to the existing complement of instruments at South Pole. This research will be carried out by an undergraduate institution, and is supported by the Research at Undergraduate Institution (RUI) initiative.