Balloon Observations of X Rays in the Auroral Zone I (original) (raw)

NASA/ADS

Abstract

During high-altitude balloon flights made in the northern auroral zone, fluxes of X rays have frequently been observed. By means of sodium iodide scintillation crystals and pulse height analyzers also carried in the balloon instrumentation detailed measurements of the photon energy spectrum in the region 40 to 340 kev have been obtained. These X rays generally appear without definite geophysical or solar correlation. They are believed to be directly related to the soft radiation investigated by rockoons and also to processes occurring in the outer Van Allen radiation zone. The rapid intensity and spectral fluctuations that are observed suggest that in addition some process, possibly atmospheric discharge, may also be important. The relation of these X rays to visible auroras is not clearly established here.

Publication:

Journal of Geophysical Research

Pub Date:

February 1960

DOI:

10.1029/JZ065i002p00551

Bibcode:

1960JGR....65..551A