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Kieffaber, L. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Kieffaber, L. M..

9 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Correlation studies of four submicron OH airglow bands during Spacelab simulation

The (7-2), (8-3), (5-1) and (6-2) bands of OH were observed from NASA's CV-990 aircraft during the Spacelab Simulation Mission. Both the average intensity and the fluctuations in intensity of each band were found to be strongly correlated to those of all other bands observed, suggesting that the excitation mechanisms for these bands are not independent processes. No significant correlation was observed between airglow intensity and latitude, azimuth, or local time for the ranges accessible during these flights. An additional ground-based experiment revealed a comparable correlation between the (6-0) and (8-3) bands.

Kieffaber, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Image intensifier tube observations of the OH airglow during the Space Shuttle simulation

The OH airglow studies discussed have evolved from a lead-sulfide-cell scanning photometer to photographic techniques to, currently, image-tube photography. During the Space Shuttle Simulation, photography (35-mm and 16-mm) and filter-wheel photometry of submicron OH airglow were performed aboard the NASA CV990 Airborne Laboratory. Examples of ground-based and airborne photographs are presented for comparison. Analysis of the aircraft data is described.

Peterson, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photography and photometry of the near infrared OH airglow

The instruments employed in the investigation were modified for aircraft use primarily by automating the repetitive measurements and incorporating image intensifier tubes to reduce exposure times. The instruments include a 35-mm camera, an absolutely calibrated photometer, and a 16-mm movie camera. The data obtained will be used in a study of the variation of parallax emission heights with geographical location, and the relationship of OH patch or stripe size to emission height.

Peterson, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Correlation of 1.65 and 2.15 micron airglow emissions

The intense infrared airglow is due primarily to vibration-rotation bands of the OH molecule. This airglow has been observed with a 24-in. scanning photometer at two wavelengths. Narrow-band interference filters are used to limit observations to the (9,7) band at 2.15 microns and the (4,2) and (5,3) bands at 1.65 microns. If OH emission results from creation of the excited OH molecule in the v = 9 vibrational state and subsequent cascading through lower vibrational levels, the 1.65 and 2.15 micron radiation will be well correlated in space and time. However, if several mechanisms are involved in producing OH in a variety of initial excitation levels, there is no reason to expect good correlation. Sky maps obtained simultaneously at 1.65 and 2.15 microns show strongly correlated intensity fluctuations. Quantitative analysis of these maps and other investigations of smaller areas of the sky yield correlation coefficients typically in excess of 0.8.

Kieffaber, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Structure and fluctuations in the OH airglow at 1.65 micron.

The OH airglow has been observed in the infrared with a 0.14-micron bandpass filter centered at 1.65 micron. Spatial fluctuations of 2-11% and temporal fluctuations of 1-7% are found about the mean nightly level. These fluctuations are compared with similar variations observed previously at 2.2 micron, also attributed to OH airglow. Sky maps at 1.65 micron as a function of altitude, azimuth and time are presented.

Kieffaber, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Infrared photography of OH airglow structures.

Results of high-angular-resolution photography of the complex airglow structures present in the infrared sky. The photographs obtained all show bright cloud-like structures which moved on the sky and varied in brightness. It is concluded that these structures are due to varying airglow emission and not to any type of modulation of a uniform background by atmospheric clouds, dust, or haze. It is also concluded that observations of a bright spot from two widely separated sites will yield parallax determinations of the height of the OH emitting layer, so that it is no longer necessary to rely on infrequent rocket measurements at a few places.

Peterson, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Airglow fluctuations at 2.2 microns.

The OH airglow has been observed in the infrared, from high altitude sites, with a bandpass filter from 2.0 to 2.5 microns. An average spatial fluctuation of plus or minus 4% and an average time fluctuation of plus or minus 3% are found about the mean nightly level. The evening fluctuations are more pronounced than the morning ones. The brightness and fluctuations are such as to preclude ground-based observation of the zodiacal light with wide-band photometry at this wavelength.

Peterson, A. W.↗