Rocket measurement of nitric oxide between 60 and 96 kilometers

Abstract

The height profile of the nitric oxide airglow in the gamma bands (A²Σ+ — X²Π) is presented from measurements by a sounding rocket at evening twilight. The nitric oxide density profile is deduced from these measurements. The density profile is used to deduce the dominant processes controlling nitric oxide in the 60- to 96-kilometer range. Above 75 kilometers the dominant process is found to be atmospheric mixing. The chemical reaction of nitric oxide with ozone is suggested as the dominant process below 70 kilometers.