A pulsating auroral-zone X-ray event in the 100-second period range

The observation of a 100-second periodicity in X-ray intensity at balloon altitudes during an intense auroral-zone X-ray event is described. The peaks in X-ray intensity are attributed to variations in the flux of electrons incident on the atmosphere rather than to motion effect of the electron precipitation. As such, the variations of the electron flux reflect the dynamics of the mechanism responsible for the precipitation of the electrons into the atmosphere. The relation of this type of periodic electron bombardment to pulsating aurora is considered.