Rocket measurements of energy deposition in the atmosphere by auroral x-rays

TL;DRAbstract

The experimental program involves coordinated rocket and balloon measurements aimed at identifying the specific response of selected electrical parameters and minor constituents to particle and x-ray bombardment of the atmosphere. Only preliminary results pertaining to energy deposition by bremsstrahlung x-rays are reported here. These results suggest that transient ionization effects due to bremsstrahlung x-rays are sufficient to significantly increase mesospheric conductivity at high latitudes. When the primary electron spectrum possesses a hard component, the associated bremsstrahlung can deposit sufficient energy at upper stratospheric levels to lower the classical electrosphere. Both of these effects are likely to have consequences on the coupling of disturbance electric fields across the atmosphere and on the distribution of the fair weather field as well. 1 figure.

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