Abstract
This paper deals with auroral X ray observations extended to altitudes above those normally attained by balloons (∼30 km). Auroral X ray payloads, consisting of NaI (Tℓ) scintillation crystal cum photomultiplier assembly, are boosted to 60‐ to 65‐km altitudes by Black Brant VI rockets, the ejected payloads float down under parachute making auroral X ray observations down to balloon altitudes. The present study presents specifically the results of a rocket‐borne payload launched from Fort Churchill, Manitoba on February 27, 1978. Twenty X ray energy spectra were calculcated above balloon altitude, and each of these can easily be fitted with a unique e‐folding energy in energies above the peak. The X ray e‐folding energy is observed to vary from 13 to 19 keV and to level off at that value. The observed values of the peak energy and its increase from 26 to 66 keV with increase in depth cannot be reconciled with presently available theoretical calculations, which are considerably lower. These differences are discussed in terms of currently available Monte Carlo and Fokker‐Planck calculations. The trend of the depth dependence of peak energy appears to be closer to the Fokker‐Planck calculations.
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