HR: 0800h
AN: A51D-0817    [Abstracts]
TI: SAGE III Measurements of O3 and NO2 after a Major Solar Proton Event
AU: * Moore, J R
EM: j.r.moore@larc.nasa.gov
AF: Science Applications International Corporation, M/S 475 NASA LaRC, Hampton, VA 23681 United States
AU: Zawodny, J M
EM: j.m.zawodny@larc.nasa.gov
AF: NASA Langley Research Center, M/S 475 NASA LaRC, Hampton, VA 23681 United States
AB: Ozone and nitrogen dioxide measurements by the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) III instrument showed the significant effects of a major solar proton event in October 2003. Coronal mass ejections (CME) in late October led to greatly increased particle fluxes entering the middle stratosphere. The earth's magnetic field deflects charged particles poleward and the effect of increased fluxes is most apparent in polar regions. The increase in charged particle fluxes led to increased gas ionization, resulting in enhanced odd nitrogen production. Enhanced NO2 abundances were measured by both SAGE III solar and lunar occultation in high Northern latitudes. The sunset solar measurements and nocturnal lunar measurements were clustered near 75 degrees north +/- 5 degrees between 2 and 6 November 2003 and provide a unique dataset to evaluate the diurnal cycle of NO2 abundances during an unusually strong proton event.
DE: 0340 Middle atmosphere--composition and chemistry
DE: 0394 Instruments and techniques
SC: Atmospheric Sciences [A]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting