Polar airglow and aurora

Abstract

A survey of night airglow emissions in the polar cap shows stable emission intensities during quiet periods through the winter solstice. Those affected by particle precipitation, OI λ5577 and λ6300, show great variability with solar activity and the state of the interplanetary magnetic field. A statistical study of electron-precipitation occurrence above 78° geomagnetic latitude shows events sufficient to result in observable enhancements in OI emission intensities in about 40% of the satellite passes in the magnetic latitude range from 79° to 83° and in about 15% of the passes for latitudes above 85°. This study provides the necessary background for dynamical studies of polar processes in the planned Canadian polar observatory.