AbstractNovel measurements of the seasonal variability in mesospheric temperature at low-latitudes have been obtained from Maui, Hawaii (20.8°N, 156.2°W) during a 25-month period from October 2001 to January 2004. Independent observations of the OH (6,2) Meinel band (peak height ∼87km) and the O2 (0–1) atmospheric band emission (∼94km) were made using the CEDAR Mesospheric Temperature Mapper. The data revealed a coherent oscillation in emission intensity and rotational temperature with a well-defined periodicity of 181±7 days. The amplitude of this oscillation was determined to be ∼5–6K in temperature and ∼8–9% in intensity for both the OH and O2 data sets. In addition, a strong asymmetry in the shape of the oscillation was also observed with the spring maximum significantly larger than the fall peak. These data provide new evidence in support of a semi-annual-oscillation in mesospheric temperature (and airglow emission intensities) and help quantify its seasonal characteristics.


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    Title :

    Characterization of the semi-annual-oscillation in mesospheric temperatures at low-latitudes


    Contributors:
    Taylor, M.J. (author) / Taori, A.K. (author) / Hatch, D.R. (author) / Liu, H.L. (author) / Roble, R.G. (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 35 , 11 ; 2037-2043


    Publication date :

    2005-05-27


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English