Effect of absorption by atomic oxygen and atomic nitrogen lines on upper atmosphere composition measurements

The possibility of absorption of solar emission lines by absorption line series of oxygen and nitrogen atoms has been examined in the 580–1306 A wavelength region by utilizing new atomic lines recently observed in laboratory spectra as well as previously known transitions. For atomic oxygen, 41 solar lines are likely to be affected, and for atomic nitrogen there are eight possibilities. These solar lines are to be avoided in atmospheric composition work, since the curves of intensity with altitude will be difficult to interpret. Discrete absorption by excited N2 and O2 molecules is also discussed.