Excitation of vibrational emission bands in aurora and airglow

Abstract

The major results of the theoretical study of infrared radiation in the vibrational–rotational bands of minor molecular constituents in the terrestrial thermosphere are reviewed. Various mechanisms of vibrational excitation of radiating molecules are discussed for both quiet and disturbed conditions (e.g., aurorally enhanced electric fields, etc.). Intensities of infrared emissions and correlations between some of them and emissions in other spectral regions are analyzed, as well as the role that infrared radiation plays in the thermospheric energetics.