Abstract
Primary electron fluxes, measured by two satellites as they crossed quiet time (Kp = 1, Σ Kp = 11+) auroral arcs, are presented for times near 1420 UT on November 12, 1972. The DMSP 30 satellite measured the optical intensity at 0.6–1.0 µm full width at half maximum (FWHM) and precipitated electrons with 0.22 ≤ E ≤ 19.7 keV near 2100 MLT. The 72-1 satellite crossed the auroral arc system near 2200 MLT and measured 0.36- to 16.5-keV electrons at all pitch angles. A detailed description of the electron morphology that includes comparisons of electron fluxes with optical intensities is presented. We find that the optical intensities extending from 2100 to 2200 MLT correlate best with electrons with E > 1 keV. The strongest emission bands at these near-infrared wavelengths are N2(IP) (first-positive band of N2) and N2+(M) (Meinel band of N2+). We estimate that between 4 and 10% of the primary electron energy input is converted to an optical intensity of 140 kR between 0.6 and 1.0 µm FWHM and is equivalent to a weak IBC 2 in the 5577-A green line of atomic oxygen.
Published Version
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