The height of maximum luminosity in an auroral arc

Abstract

The height of maximum luminosity of an auroral arc is estimated from simultaneous observations at three stations in western United States during a night of general auroral activity (November 27–28, 1959). Photometrically this arc is characterized by a selective enhancement of the [O I] 6300 A line. From twenty-four individual measurements the height is found to be 412 km with a standard deviation of ±23 km for one observation and ±5 km for the mean. The geographical position of the arc, its orientation, and its movement during the night are discussed.