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Reanalysis of Pioneer Orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer data: OI 1304 intensities and atomic oxygen densities
Author(s) -
Paxton L. J.,
Meier R. R.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl013i003p00229
Subject(s) - spectrometer , orbiter , airglow , ultraviolet , atomic physics , oxygen , mass spectrometry , electron spectrometer , thermosphere , atomic oxygen , electron ionization , physics , ionization , materials science , electron , atmospheric sciences , ion , optics , astronomy , ionosphere , nuclear physics , cathode ray , quantum mechanics
The Pioneer Venus Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer (PVOUVS) measured the OI 1304 Å intensity over a range of spacecraft altitudes (150 to 300 km at periapsis). The atomic oxygen density is determined from the dayglow by comparing the data to the intensities predicted in a Monte Carlo model which correctly simulates the partial frequency redistribution of photons in a non‐isothermal, absorbing atmosphere. The analysis yields atomic oxygen densities consistent with the in situ determinations of the PV Bus Neutral Mass Spectrometer and PVO Neutral Mass Spectrometer and supports recent laboratory measurements of the electron impact excitation cross section of atomic oxygen. Furthermore, the potential inherent in ultraviolet remote sensing for determining the global distribution of atomic oxygen is demonstrated.