Theoretical Studies of Photochemistry, Energetics and Dynamics of the Thermosphere in Support of the CEDAR Program

太阳是能量的来源。这种能量的一部分以光(光子)的形式存在，光从紫外线延伸到红外。当光子撞击地球的高层大气时，它们消耗能量分解(解离)，使电子脱离(电离)，并将能量提供给(激发)大气气体的原子和分子。这些过程引起大气加热，从而驱动环流模式(风)。大气的相对组成因此而改变，这是对能量吸收过程的反馈。理解这种耦合反馈系统是日地研究的一个目标。在这个过程中被激发的原子和分子发出辐射，这是化学的特征，也是衡量物种浓度的一种手段。这些辐射可以有效地表明太阳辐射对大气的影响。这里的研究目的是测量大气的组成和温度。这将通过使用高分辨率仪器来监测从地面发射的辐射，因为落日的阴影高度在高度上移动。PI是一位出色的科学家，在分析光学数据方面拥有丰富的技能。他在高层大气科学领域做出了广泛的贡献。他有资格做这项调查。

The Sun is a source of energy. A portion of this energy is in the form of light (photons) which extends from the ultraviolet to the infrared. When the photons strike the Earth's high atmosphere they expend their energy in breaking up (dissociating), stripping electrons from (ionizing), and giving energy to (exciting) the atoms and molecules of the atmospheric gas. These processes give rise to heating of the atmosphere which drives the circulation patterns (winds). The relative composition of the atmosphere changes because of this which is a feedback on the energy absorption process. Understanding this coupling feedback system is an objective of Solar Terrestrial research. The atoms and molecules excited in this process emit radiation which is characteristic of the chemistry as well as a measure of the concentration of the species. The emissions can be an effective signature of the effects of the solar radiation on the atmosphere. The objective of the research here is to measure the composition and temperature of the atmosphere. This will be done by using high resolution instruments to monitor the emitted radiation from the ground as the shadow height of the setting sun moves up in altitude. The PI is an excellent scientist with extensive skills in analyzing optical data. He has made extensive contributions to the field of Upper Atmospheric Science. He is qualified to do this investigation.