CoShort Wave Infrared Imaging of the Meinel 0-0 Auroral and the Metastable He 1083 nm Airglow Emissions for Auroral Physics and Aeronomy Studies

Optical aeronomy is inherently an observational science. This means advancement in cutting-edge technologies can in turn drive substantial progress in this area of space science. In this poster we describe two applications of a state-of-the-art, compact multi-wavelength short wave infrared (SWIR) imager. These two research investigations will address two important Science Topics (ST), namely, 1), the mapping of Alfvén aurora and 2), observing the temporal and spatial variability of the metastable He 1083 nm nightglow. The first investigation is designed to study the role of Alfvén waves as compared with mono-energetic particle influx in exciting auroral arcs and forms. Alfvén waves are abundant in the magnetosphere and are closely linked to its dynamics. These waves are oscillations of the ion density and the geomagnetic field tension that are guided along the geomagnetic flux tube and carry energy from one region to another, most notably towards the Auroral Acceleration Region (AAR) located ~20,000 km above the auroral ionosphere, a key region for magnetosphere-ionosphere (M-I) coupling. Within this region the parallel E-field component of the Alfven waves interacts with the plasma and accelerate the electrons toward the topside of the E-region ionosphere.
The other investigation would observe the metastable He 1083 nm intensity as a possible tracer of the total atmospheric density and exospheric dynamics, what is its temporal and spatial variability. This topic addresses a major concern regarding the accuracy of total atmospheric density specification applicable to the polar Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region. The concern is especially acute in this current period of solar maximum activity. Maps of the metastable He 1083 nm nightglow brightness can monitor possible spatial and temporal variations. In addition to this, we will measure the progression of the northern He winter bulge from September to early January to determine the rate and extent of the winter bulge development in response to this change in season. These He maps will be evaluated for suitable candidates for case studies of the He winter bulge behavior for different levels of solar and geomagnetic activity. These results will be compared with results from the NCAR Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) predictions for times of significant geomagnetic disturbances and for the summer to winter seasonal change, an important and significant test of the TIEGCM model predictions. These maps will provide the means to infer the exosphere total density (through comparison with model studies) and to gain insight regarding the dynamics impacting the formation of the He winter bulge. Both factors are of great importance to space weather studies as applied to atmospheric drag considerations.