A comparison of the oxygen ion-ion neutralization and radiative recombination mechanisms for producing the ultraviolet nightglow

摘要: Recently, Knudsen suggested that oxygen ion-ion neutralization might provide an important contribution to the ultraviolet nightglow observed on Ogo 4. The relative of this process is compared with provided by radiative recombination, and it concluded recombination should always be dominant, unless presently accepted values pertinent rate coefficients are in error. When F region electron concentrations not abnormally large (i.e., NmF2<106 cm−3), two mechanisms contribute comparable amounts emission. It also that, certain these underestimated, will intensity nightglow.