Abstract
A pair of spectra taken simultaneously by two different ground-based instruments has been analyzed by our group. As with previous observations, the spectra are composed primarily of the N 2 first positive group (1PG) ( B 3 Π g− A 3 Σ u +). In a previous study, we compared the N 2( B) vibrational distributions from the spectral analysis with those resulting from a time-dependent kinetic model of N 2 triplet excited state populations. Both spectra reflect emission between 50 and 60 km . The higher-altitude spectrum is primarily 1PG but also shows the presence of features which appear to be N 2 + Meinel ( A 2 Π u− X 2 Σ g +). The lower-altitude spectrum shows little or none of the apparent Meinel emission but has an N 2( B) vibrational distribution similar to ones observed in laboratory afterglows. In this paper we discuss the apparent presence of the Meinel emission and present the observed N 2( B) vibrational distributions.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call