Excede 2 test, an artificial auroral experiment: Ground-based optical measurements

摘要: On April 13, 1975, a rocket-borne electron accelerator was launched from the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska. The launch, second effort in Excede series of artificial auroral experiments, designated 2 test. pulsed operated for approximately 100 s altitude range 106–135 km, providing 3-kV beam with maximum currents 10 A. A retarding potential analyzer indicated that charge buildup on electron-emitting payload never exceeded positive 200 V. Ground-based television systems and dual channel telephotometer recorded optical emissions induced night atmosphere by accelerator. ground-based measured time dependent emission profiles N2+ (B²Σu+ → X²Σg+) first negative (0-0) band at 3914 O(¹S) 5577 produced source. fluorescent or luminous efficiency production 1 N energetic electrons altitudes 110 km determined to be equivalent greater than 3.2 × 10−3. value 1.1 steady state photon ratio 5577-A 3914-A measurements have been corrected effects atmospheric extinction measuring apparent stellar radiance Vega.