Planet. Space Sci., 40, 699, 1992.
N(2D) + O2:
A source of thermospheric 6300-Å emission?
N(2D) + O2 -> NO + O(1D)
R. Link and P.K. Swaminathan
The aeronomic and laboratory evidence concerning the efficiency of the
reaction
N(2D) + O2 ->
NO(v + O(1D)
in producing thermospheric 6300-Å
emission is reviewed. Dayglow and nightside auroral measurements do
not offer unambiguous evidence concerning the need for an additional
source. Measurements of the temporal variation and lifetime of the
6300-Å and 5200-Å emissions in the polar cap and cleft aurora
are not consistent with the proposed mechanism. Through consideration of
reaction dynamics, we conclude that the laboratory inference of a
large O(1D) yield at cryogenic temperatures is not
in conflict with reports of a low O(1D) yield at
thermospheric temperatures.
© 1992 Pergamon Press
Back to Richard Link publications