The distribution of NO2(plus) in the lower ionosphere
Data on the NO2(+)(46 AMU) were obtained with a rocket-borne quadrupole ion mass spectrometer. The ion 46(+) is most prevalent in the vicinity of 90 km and is always observed in the presence of 48(+), identified as NO(+)-H2O. The observed concentrations of O(+)(16), O2(+)(32), NO2(+)(46), NO(+)-H2O(48), electrons, and the ratio 48(+)/46(+) are tabulated for altitudes from 87.8 to 93.2 km. Reactions governing the distribution of NO2(+) are briefly discussed, and it is felt that photoionization and charge exchange reactions are insufficient to account for the NO2(+) concentration at 90 km.