AIM: Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere

Authors

James M. Russell, Hampton University
Scott M. Bailey
K. Nielsen, Utah State University
M. J. Taylor, Utah State University
G. Thomas
M. Horányi
D. Rusch
M. Taylor
C. Englert
L. Gordley
P. Espy
D. Siskind
J. Harlander
M. Stevens
M. Summers
R. Meier
S. Eckermann
M. Hervig
C. Randall
W. McClintock

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

5-21-2024

Abstract

Noctilucent clouds (NLC) are a beautiful summertime phenomena that have been observed at high-latitudes (>55°) for over 100 years. They are seen during twilight hours by scattering of sunlight from sub-micron-sized ice particles that form in the vicinity of the cold mesopause region. In recent years there has been a marked increase in their occurrence frequency and brightness. In concert with this trend there are also a growing number of sightings at significantly lower latitudes than expected. These observations have prompted speculation that they are "harbingers" of potentially serious changes in the mesospheric climate

Comments

Publication date does not represent date presented.

Recommended Citation

Russell, James M.; Bailey, Scott M.; Nielsen, K.; Taylor, M. J.; Thomas, G.; Horányi, M.; Rusch, D.; Taylor, M.; Englert, C.; Gordley, L.; Espy, P.; Siskind, D.; Harlander, J.; Stevens, M.; Summers, M.; Meier, R.; Eckermann, S.; Hervig, M.; Randall, C.; and McClintock, W., "AIM: Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere" (2024). All Physics Faculty Publications. Paper 2221.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/physics_facpub/2221