Using Astronomical Sky Spectra for Aeronomy Studies: Investigations of O2, Na, and N 2D

Sri International, Menlo Park CA

Investigators

Abstract

This is a three year project to continue the investigations of emissions in the terrestrial atmosphere using data obtained with the 10-m W. H. Keck telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Much of the data to be used have already been collected and have been used in a co-added form to provide dramatic advances in the spectroscopy of the MLT region. However, some aspects of these data have not yet been tapped, and much new information is potentially available from 50-min data sets on oxygen, nitrogen and sodium emissions. The Physical Sciences Division at SRI International makes a substantial contribution to developing human resources over a range of educational levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral training. The Molecular Physics Laboratory has been particularly active in the NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Program.