Observation of the 7320A O=(2P) Airglow Emission at Twilight

Abstract

This paper discusses the method of obtaining an altitude profile for atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere by observing the sunlight-stimulated 7320A airglow emission of the 0+(2p) ion (whose abundance is directly proportional to that of 0) while the earth's shadow provides a natural "scan" of the atmosphere during twilight. Background on the emission and experiment is presented along with a detailed description of the instrument, data gathering procedure and analysis.