Auroral Lyman-alpha observations

Observations have been made of Lyman-alpha auroral emissions during January and February 1967. The observations were made with a narrow band sky-scanning photometer mounted on an earth-oriented satellite in polar orbit. Auroras in the southern hemisphere were usually single in structure, whereas those in the north were complex. The single auroral emissions show a typical latitude spread of about 6.5°. Intensities up to 60 kR were observed at times of high magnetic activity, implying energy deposition up to 20 ergs cm−2 sec−1. The intensities show a correlation with high-latitude geomagnetic activity, with a breakdown during extremely active periods.