A Numerical Study of Artificial Electron Aurora Experiment

概要

論文の詳細を見る
An artificial electron aurora experiment was planned as a part of the SEPAC (Space Experiment with Particle Accelerator) project, one of the first spacelab missions on board the space shuttle. In order to provide the necessary information to the project team in advance of the experiment and to help analysis of the data to be obtained, a numerical study was performed for the electron beam penetration into atmosphere and for the excitation and ionization of atmospheric particles. A beam of electrons with energy either 5 keV or 7.5 keV is supposed to be injected downwards at the altitude of 250 km. The penetration of electrons was studied within the framework of the continuous-slowing-down model. The time necessary for the electron to fall down was estimated. The ionization rate at each altitude range was calculated. The excitation rate was calculated for emission of N_2^+ first negative (0,0) band (wavelength 3914Å), oxygen green line (5577Å), and oxygen red line (6300/6364Å doublet). The contribution of the secondary electrons produced in the ionizing processes was taken into account. For the oxygen line emissions, particularly for the red line, the collisional quenching reduces the emission intensity considerably. The calculations were done for the three values of the angle between the geomagnetic field and the vertical line and for five values of the electron pitch angle. Results are reported graphically.
宇宙航空研究開発機構の論文