Abstract
The status of observations and current theories of spacecraft‐induced optical emission (ram glow) from the Atmospheric Explorer‐C satellite to the most recent shuttle missions is reviewed. To resolve the discrepancy between the observed spectral continuum and the most likely gas‐phase emitter, the NO2 continuum, a second continuum is proposed, lying further to the red and due to true surface emission (chemiluminescence) as a consequence of atomic and molecular oxygen adsorption. An altitude variation modelled on the basis of this mechanism, using laboratory data, offers good agreement with observations by the AE‐E satellite, and is capable of producing the quantitative intensities in general.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
