Local vertical motions and kinetic temperature from AE‐C as evidence for aurora‐induced gravity waves

In situ measurements of local vertical neutral particle motions have been made using the Neutral Atmosphere Temperature Instrument (NATE) on Atmosphere Explorer‐C from observations of the direction of flow of neutral particles into the antechamber of the sensor (mass spectrometer). Values ranging from a few to more than 80 meters per second have been observed. The data show vertical motions greater than a few meters per second to be present most of the time, the magnitude being a function of many factors including magnetic activity, location, and magnetic storm history. In a specific case, it is concluded that the observed vertical motions and kinetic temperature are evidence of a travelling disturbance originating as a gravity wave in the auroral zone.