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MATS (Mesospheric Airglow/Aerosol Tomography and Spectroscopy) is a Swedish satellite designed to investigate atmospheric dynamics in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). By observing structures in noctilucent clouds over polar regions and oxygen atmospheric-band (A-band) emissions globally, MATS will provide the research community with properties of the MLT atmospheric wave field. Individual A-band images taken by MATS's main instrument, a six-channel limb imager, are transformed through tomography and spectroscopy into three-dimensional temperature fields, within which the wave structures are embedded. To identify wave properties, particularly the gravity wave momentum flux, from the temperature field, smaller-scale perturbations (associated with the targeted waves) must be separated from large-scale background variations using a method of scale separation. This paper investigates the possibilities of employing a simple method based on smoothing polynomials to separate the smaller and larger scales. Using using synthetic tomography data based on the HIAMCM (HIgh Altitude Mechanistic general Circulation Model), we demonstrate that smoothing polynomials can be applied to MLT temperatures to obtain fields corresponding to global-scale separation at zonal wavenumber 18. The simplicity of the method makes it a promising candidate for studying wave dynamics in MATS temperature fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article begins with a review of important advances in the chemistry and related physics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region of the atmosphere that have occurred over the past 2 decades, since the founding of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. The emphasis here is on chemistry, but we also discuss recent findings on atmospheric dynamics and forcings to the extent that these are important for understanding MLT composition and chemistry. Topics that are covered include observations, with satellite, rocket and ground-based techniques; the variability and connectedness of the MLT on various length scales and timescales; airglow emissions; the cosmic dust input and meteoric metal layers; and noctilucent/polar mesospheric ice clouds. The paper then concludes with a discussion of important unanswered questions and likely future directions for the field over the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Opinion article begins with a review of important advances in the science of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT) region of the atmosphere that have occurred over the past two decades since the founding of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. The emphasis is on chemistry (although, of course, this cannot be decoupled from discussion of atmospheric physics and dynamics), and the primary focus is on work during the past 10 years. Topics that are covered include: observations (satellite, rocket and ground-based techniques); the variability and connectedness of the MLT on various length- and time-scales; airglow emissions; the cosmic dust input and meteoric metal layers; and noctilucent (or polar mesospheric) ice clouds. The paper then concludes with a discussion of important unanswered questions and likely future directions for the field over the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global three-dimensional data are a key to understanding gravity waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. MATS (Mesospheric Airglow/Aerosol Tomography and Spectroscopy) is a new Swedish satellite mission that addresses this need. It applies space-borne limb imaging in combination with tomographic and spectroscopic analysis to obtain gravity wave data on relevant spatial scales. Primary measurement targets are O2 atmospheric band dayglow and nightglow in the near infrared, and sunlight scattered from noctilucent clouds in the ultraviolet. While tomography provides horizontally and vertically resolved data, spectroscopy allows analysis in terms of mesospheric temperature, composition, and cloud properties. Based on these dynamical tracers, MATS will produce a climatology on wave spectra during a 2-year mission. Major scientific objectives include a characterization of gravity waves and their interaction with larger-scale waves and mean flow in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, as well as their relationship to dynamical conditions in the lower and upper atmosphere. MATS is currently being prepared to be ready for a launch in 2020. This paper provides an overview of scientific goals, measurement concepts, instruments, and analysis ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two important approaches for satellite studies of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) are nadir measurements adapting phase function analysis and limb measurements adapting spectroscopic analysis. Combining both approaches enables new studies of cloud structures and microphysical processes but is complicated by differences in scattering conditions, observation geometry and sensitivity. In this study, we compare common volume PMC observations from the nadir-viewing Cloud Imaging and Particle Size (CIPS) instrument on the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite and a special set of tomographic limb observations from the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System (OSIRIS) on the Odin satellite performed over 18 d for the years 2010 and 2011 and the latitude range 78 to 80 ∘ N. While CIPS provides preeminent horizontal resolution, the OSIRIS tomographic analysis provides combined horizontal and vertical PMC information. This first direct comparison is an important step towards co-analysing CIPS and OSIRIS data, aiming at unprecedented insights into horizontal and vertical cloud processes. Important scientific questions on how the PMC life cycle is affected by changes in humidity and temperature due to atmospheric gravity waves, planetary waves and tides can be addressed by combining PMC observations in multiple dimensions. Two- and three-dimensional cloud structures simultaneously observed by CIPS and tomographic OSIRIS provide a useful tool for studies of cloud growth and sublimation. Moreover, the combined CIPS/tomographic OSIRIS dataset can be used for studies of even more fundamental character, such as the question of the assumption of the PMC particle size distribution. We perform the first thorough error characterization of OSIRIS tomographic cloud brightness and cloud ice water content (IWC). We establish a consistent method for comparing cloud properties from limb tomography and nadir observations, accounting for differences in scattering conditions, resolution and sensitivity. Based on an extensive common volume and a temporal coincidence criterion of only 5 min, our method enables a detailed comparison of PMC regions of varying brightness and IWC. However, since the dataset is limited to 18 d of observations this study does not include a comparison of cloud frequency. The cloud properties of the OSIRIS tomographic dataset are vertically resolved, while the cloud properties of the CIPS dataset is vertically integrated. To make these different quantities comparable, the OSIRIS tomographic cloud properties cloud scattering coefficient and ice mass density (IMD) have been integrated over the vertical extent of the cloud to form cloud albedo and IWC of the same quantity as CIPS cloud products. We find that the OSIRIS albedo (obtained from the vertical integration of the primary OSIRIS tomography product, cloud scattering coefficient) shows very good agreement with the primary CIPS product, cloud albedo , with a correlation coefficient of 0.96. However, OSIRIS systematically reports brighter clouds than CIPS and the bias between the instruments (OSIRIS – CIPS) is 3.4×10-6 sr -1 (±2.9×10-6 sr -1) on average. The OSIRIS tomography IWC (obtained from the vertical integration of IMD) agrees well with the CIPS IWC, with a correlation coefficient of 0.91. However, the IWC reported by OSIRIS is lower than CIPS, and we quantify the bias to -22 g km -2 (±14 g km -2) on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absolute profiles of atomic oxygen number densities with high vertical resolution have been determined in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere (MLT) region from in situ measurements by several rocket-borne solid electrolyte sensors. The amperometric sensors were operated in both controlled and uncontrolled modes and with various orientations on the foredeck and aft deck of the payload. Calibration was based on mass spectrometry in a molecular beam containing atomic oxygen produced in a microwave discharge. The sensor signal is proportional to the number flux onto the electrodes, and the mass flow rate in the molecular beam was additionally measured to derive this quantity from the spectrometer reading. Numerical simulations provided aerodynamic correction factors to derive the atmospheric number density of atomic oxygen from the sensor data. The flight results indicate a preferable orientation of the electrode surface perpendicular to the rocket axis. While unstable during the upleg, the density profiles measured by these sensors show an excellent agreement with the atmospheric models and photometer results during the downleg of the trajectory. The high spatial resolution of the measurements allows for the identification of small-scale variations in the atomic oxygen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The source of the mesospheric sodium layer is the daily ablation of 10–100tons of meteoric material in Earth’s atmosphere. Global studies of this layer yield important information about the chemistry and dynamics of Earth’s mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). For nine years the Optical Spectrograph and Infra-Red Imager System (OSIRIS) on-board the Odin satellite has observed Earth’s middle atmosphere by limb measurements of scattered sunlight from the ultraviolet to the infrared. In its aeronomy mode, Odin performs limb scans during 15 near-polar sun-synchronous orbits each day. The current measurement programme provides scans up to 110km on about 300 days per year. Above 70km, Na D resonance scattering at 589nm results in a strong limb signal. Retrievals from this dayglow feature have provided a global database of the mesospheric sodium layer. We present an updated sodium climatology from the Odin mission, including latitudinal and seasonal dependence, and interannual variability. We find a weak seasonal variation at low latitudes and an annual variation at mid- and high-latitudes with a clear summer minimum. An interesting feature is an interhemispheric asymmetry in the global dataset with larger sodium abundances during fall in the northern hemisphere and during spring in the southern hemisphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The detection of nanometre-sized meteoric smoke particles in the Earth’s mesosphere and lower thermosphere is difficult. The particles are too small for optical detection and so far only the charged fraction of the particles has been probed by rocket-borne instruments. One way to obtain maximum information about the smoke particles is direct sampling with rocket-borne particle samplers. The MAGIC project (Mesospheric Aerosol – Genesis, Interaction and Composition) aims to quantitatively answer fundamental questions about the properties of smoke in the atmosphere. The first launch of such particle samplers was performed during the MAGIC rocket campaign from Esrange, Sweden, in January 2005. In order to characterise the sampling process, we have performed simulations of the trajectories of nanometre-sized dust particles towards the MAGIC detectors with a new particle motion model. An important feature of this model is the Brownian motion of the particles due to thermal collisions of the gas molecules. As a result, we obtain the detection efficiency for the MAGIC detectors as a function of altitude and particle size. Our simulations confirm that particles of radii down to 0.75nm impact on the sampling surface with an efficiency exceeding 80% over the entire mesospheric altitude range of interest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Noctilucent Clouds (NLCs) are rarely observed at mid-latitudes. In July 2009, strong NLCs were recorded from both Paris and Nebraska, located at latitudes 48°N and 41°N, respectively. The main focus of this work is on the atmospheric conditions that have led to NLCs at these latitudes. We investigate to what extent these clouds may be explained by local formation or by transport from higher latitudes. The dynamical situation is analyzed in terms of wind fields created from Aura/MLS temperature data and measured by radar. We discuss possible tidal effects on the transport and examine the general planetary wave activity during these days. The winds do not seem sufficient to transport NLC particles long southward distances. Hence a local formation is rather likely. In order to investigate the possibility of local NLC formation, the CARMA microphysical model has been applied with temperature data from MLS as input. The results from the large-scale datasets are compared to NLC observations by Odin and to local NLC, temperature and wind measurements by lidar and radar. The reason for the exceptional NLC formation is most likely a combination of local temperature variations by diurnal tides, advantageously located large-scale planetary waves, and general mesospheric temperature conditions that were 5–10K colder than in previous years. The results also point to that NLCs are very unlikely to occur at latitudes below 50°N during daytime. This conclusion can be made from a tidal temperature mode with cold temperatures during nighttime and temperatures above the limit for NLC occurrence during daytime. The best time for observing mid-latitude NLCs is during the early morning hours. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We document the variability in atomic oxygen inferred by the Sounding of the Atmosphere with Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on the NASA/TIMED satellite in the lower mesosphere (50–80 km altitude) according to its diurnal, latitudinal, seasonal and solar cycle components. The dominant variation is diurnal and latitudinal. Below 75 km, seasonal and solar cycle effects are less than 5%. Accordingly, we have developed a simple climatology that depends upon local time and latitude and applied it to a model of the D region of the ionosphere. Between 60 and 70 km, atomic oxygen is important in governing the ratio of negative ions to electrons. Using the SABER O climatology along with a previously published climatology of nitric oxide based upon UARS/HALOE data, we compare our model results both to previous calculations and to a profile of electron density [e − ] acquired by a rocket launched from Kwajalein Atoll. The model results are shown to be consistent with previously published calculations, but the comparison with the data reveals a dramatic discrepancy whereby the calculated [e − ] is over an order of magnitude less than the observations below 65 km. The most plausible explanation involves changing the partition of negative charge between molecules such as O 2 which rapidly dissociate in sunlight versus heavier, more stable negative ions. Although observations of [e − ] below 70 km are difficult and infrequent, more research should be invested to evaluate the pervasiveness and the seasonal, latitudinal and diurnal morphology of this model [e − ] deficit. This may have practical implications as empirical models of the ionosphere predict a secondary maximum in HF radio absorption in the 70 km altitude region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between a few tons to several hundred tons of meteoric material enters the Earth׳s atmosphere each day, and most of this material is ablated and vaporized in the 70-120km altitude region. The subsequent chemical conversion, re-condensation and coagulation of this evaporated material are thought to form nanometre sized meteoric smoke particles (MSPs). These smoke particles are then subject to further coagulation, sedimentation and global transport by the mesospheric circulation. MSPs have been proposed as a key player in the formation and evolution of ice particle layers around the mesopause region, i.e. noctilucent clouds (NLC) and polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE). MSPs have also been implicated in mesospheric heterogeneous chemistry to influence the mesospheric odd oxygen/odd hydrogen (Ox/HOx) chemistry, to play an important role in the mesospheric charge balance, and to be a significant component of stratospheric aerosol and enhance the depletion of O3. Despite their apparent importance, little is known about the properties of MSPs and none of the hypotheses can be verified without direct evidence of the existence, altitude and size distribution, shape and elemental composition. The aim of the MAGIC project (Mesospheric Aerosol - Genesis, Interaction and Composition) was to develop an instrument and analysis techniques to sample for the first time MSPs in the mesosphere and return them to the ground for detailed analysis in the laboratory. MAGIC meteoric smoke particle samplers have been flown on several sounding rocket payloads between 2005 and 2011. Several of these flights concerned non-summer mesosphere conditions when pure MSP populations can be expected. Other flights concerned high latitude summer conditions when MSPs are expected to be contained in ice particles in the upper mesosphere. In this paper we present the MAGIC project and describe the MAGIC MSP sampler, the measurement procedure and laboratory analysis. We also present the attempts to retrieve MSPs from these flights, the challenges inherent to the sampling of nanometre sized particles and the subsequent analysis of the sampled material, and thoughts for the future. Despite substantial experimental efforts, the MAGIC project has so far failed to provide conclusive results. While particles with elemental composition similar to what is to be expected from MSPs have been found, the analysis has been compromised by challenges with different types of contamination and uncertainties in the sticking efficiency of the particles on the sampling surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hotel Payload 2 rocket was launched on January 31st 2008 at 20.14 LT from the Andøya Rocket Range in northern Norway (69.31° N, 16.01° E). Measurements in the 75-105km region of atomic O, negatively-charged dust, positive ions and electrons with a suite of instruments on the payload were complemented by lidar measurements of atomic Na and temperature from the nearby ALOMAR observatory. The payload passed within 2.58km of the lidar at an altitude of 90km. A series of coupled models is used to explore the observations, leading to two significant conclusions. First, the atomic Na layer and the vertical profiles of negatively-charged dust (assumed to be meteoric smoke particles), electrons and positive ions, can be modelled using a self-consistent meteoric input flux. Second, electronic structure calculations and Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Markus theory are used to show that even small Fe-Mg-silicates are able to attach electrons rapidly and form stable negatively-charged particles, compared with electron attachment to O2 and O3. This explains the substantial electron depletion between 80 and 90km, where the presence of atomic O at concentrations in excess of 1010cm−3 prevents the formation of stable negative ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first sounding rocket campaign dedicated to investigate the creation mechanism of Polar Mesosphere Winter Echoes (PMWE) was conducted in April 2018 from the north Norwegian Andøya Space Center (69 ∘ N, 16 ∘ E). Two instrumented sounding rockets were launched on 13th and 18th of April under PMWE and non-PMWE conditions, respectively. In this paper we give an overview of the PMWE sounding rocket mission. We describe and discuss some results of combined in situ and ground-based measurements which allow to verify existing PMWE theories. Our measurements ultimately show that: a) polar winter mesosphere is abounded with meteor smoke particles (MSP) and intermittent turbulent layers, b) all PMWE observed during this campaign can be explained by neutral air turbulence, c) turbulence creates small-scale structures in all D-region constituents, including free electrons; d) MSP ultimately influence the radar volume reflectivity by distorting the turbulence spectrum of electrons, e) the influence of MSP and of background electron density is just to increase SNR. • A first sounding rocket campaign dedicated to investigate PMWE was conducted in April 2018 from the Andøya Space Center. • Our measurements ultimately show that polar winter mesosphere is abounded with MSP and intermittent turbulent layers. • Between ~85 and ~75 km turbulence creates small-scale structures in all the D-region constituents, including free electrons. • When the background ionization is strong enough, these structures become visible for VHF radars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]