Interferometric measurements of the 6300 A Doppler temperature during a magnetic storm

The 6300 A Dopplar broadened emission line of atomic oxygen [O(¹D) — O(³P)] was measured with a 6-inch, high resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer during the magnetic storm period of October 30 to November 2, 1968. The Doppler temperatures thus obtained give a realistic indication of the storm-time variation of the exospheric temperature. The measured temperature variation is in general agreement with the model predictions, although the amplitude and phase of the Doppler temperature variation indicate that the exospheric temperature responds more rapidly than the drag results indicate.