Mathematics – Probability
Scientific paper
Dec 1971
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1971p%26ss...19.1669s&link_type=abstract
Planetary and Space Science, Volume 19, Issue 12, p. 1669-1683.
Mathematics
Probability
4
Scientific paper
Recent rocket observations of the N2 V-K (Vegard-Kaplan) system in the aurora have been reinterpreted using an atmospheric model based on mass spectrometer measurements in an aurora of similar intensity at the same time of year. In contrast to the original interpretation, we find that population by cascade from the C3Πu and B3Πg states in the A3Σu+v=0,1 levels, as calculated using recently measured electron excitation cross sections, accurately accounts for the observed relative emission rates (IV-K/12PG0.0). In addition there is no need to change the production rate of A 3 Σ u+ molecules relative to that of C3Πuv=0 as a function of altitude in order to fit the profile of the deactivation probability to the atmospheric model. Quenching of A 3 Σ u+ molecules at high altitudes is dominated by atomic oxygen. The rate constants for the v=0 and v=1 levels are 8 × 10-11 cm3 sec-1 and 1.7 × 10-10 cm3 sec-1 respectively, as determined using the model atmosphere mentioned above. Recent observations with a helium cooled mass spectrometer suggest that conventional mass spectrometer measurements tend to underestimate the atomic oxygen relative concentration. The rate coefficients may therefore be too large by as much as a factor of 3. Below 130 Km we find that it is possible to account for the deactivation in bright auroras by invoking large nitric oxide concentrations, similar to those recently observed mass spectrometrically and using a rate constant of 8 × 10-11 cm3 sec-1 for both the v=1 levels. This rate constant is very nearly the same as that measured in the laboratory (7 × 10-11 cm3 sec-1). Molecular oxygen appears not to play a significant role in deactivating the lower A 3 Σ u+ levels.
Donahue Thomas M.
Shemansky Don E.
Zipf Edward C.
No associations
LandOfFree
Deactivation of N2A 3Σu+molecules in the aurora does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Deactivation of N2A 3Σu+molecules in the aurora, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Deactivation of N2A 3Σu+molecules in the aurora will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1729198