Abstract

The solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux, nominally 10–120 nm, is the principal source of energy for heating the terrestrial thermosphere. Models of this region, which are used for studying its composition and dynamic properties, require the best available input parameters. The solar radio flux at 10.7 cm (F10.7) has been used as a proxy measure of the solar EUV flux in models that determine the density of the upper atmosphere and assess the effects of atmospheric drag on spacecraft design and operations. However, F10.7 is not adequate for accurate, timely, and spatially detailed nowcasts and forecasts of atmospheric density.

© 1988 Optical Society of America