Other
Scientific paper
Jun 1975
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1975ang....31..271f&link_type=abstract
Annales de Geophysique, vol. 31, Apr.-June 1975, p. 271-278.
Other
Atmospheric Ionization, Atomic Collisions, Helium, Interplanetary Gas, Interstellar Gas, Ionospheric Ion Density, Earth Magnetosphere, Ion Production Rates, Molecular Collisions, Solar Activity Effects
Scientific paper
The ionization properties of neutral interstellar matter intercepted by the terrestrial atmosphere are studied, assuming that neutral interstellar matter may provide a nighttime ionization source. Interstellar neutral hydrogen and helium stream into the heliosphere from the so-called upwind direction situated in the plane of the ecliptic and making an angle of 50 deg with the solar apex. Relatively high interplanetary helium concentrations are predicted for a distance of about 1 AU from the sun near the ecliptic plane, with the earth moving through this helium bulge in winter. As the helium is neutral, it passes undisturbed through the magnetosphere. The energy of each atom is enough to ionize several neutral atoms of the terrestrial atmosphere, with about 0.23 ionizations per incoming helium atom. This ionization source should be taken into consideration for the winter ionization balance, especially at night at heights above 200 km. Other most important sources of atmospheric ions are due to multiply scattered helium and hydrogen resonance radiations from the geocorona.
Blum Peter W.
Fahr Hans Jörg
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