Resumé
The distribution of thermospheric nitric oxide in the northern polar region has been measured from the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE). A polar image of a one-year average at 106 km shows the maximum density lies between 60° and 70° N geomagnetic latitude. The density around this auroral oval varies as a function of longitude with the larger densities occurring at western geomagnetic longitudes. A polar image of a second year of observations demonstrates the same latitudinal longitudinal density distribution indicating that the asymmetry is a persistent property of the auroral region. For a period of high geomagnetic activity, the nitric oxide observations indicate that the flux of precipitating electrons at 90° W geomagnetic longitude was 75% larger than the flux at 90° E geomagnetic longitude. We suggest that this asymmetry is caused by the longitudinal variation in the magnetic field strength around the auroral oval.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Sider (fra-til) | 1463-1466 |
Antal sider | 4 |
Tidsskrift | Geophysical Research Letters |
Vol/bind | 28 |
Udgave nummer | 8 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 15 apr. 2001 |
Udgivet eksternt | Ja |
Programområde
- Programområde 5: Natur og klima