Auroral E-region: Ion composition and nitric oxide

摘要: Data from eight auroral ion composition measurements, seven of which have been reported in the literature, are analyzed and compared terms a single model format. We find, contrary to conclusions published previously for two experiments, that there is no discrepancy concerning O+ ions. In general, mean CIRA 1972 neutral found be quite suitable as representative major gas required E-region calculations agree with data. Nitric oxide profiles inferred analysis data range about normal non-auroral nitrix distributions peak concentrations near 108 cm−3 populations 109 cm−3. Although higher generally correlated intense aurora, we acknowledge length strength activity prior individual rocket flights can an even greater bearing, at times, on NO “snapshot” profile deduced