Abstract

The passage of a body moving at hypersonic velocities through the atmosphere of the earth is accompanied by the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the optical wavelengths (0.3–15 μ). This has been observed in the passage of meteors and the re-entry of ballistic missiles and manned space capsules. Spectroscopic observations of these phenomena yield significant information on the dynamic characteristics of the bodies and on the nature of the upper atmosphere. The performance of semistandard spectroscopic instruments, utilized by Barnes Engineering Company during ballistic missile re-entry measurements, and some typical results are discussed.

© 1964 Optical Society of America

Optics of the Upper Atmosphere

D. M. Hunten
Appl. Opt. 3(2) 167-174 (1964)

Photographic Instrumentation for Triangulation Studies of Luminous Clouds in the Upper Atmosphere

M. M. Cooksey, Z. Frentress, and H. D. Edwards
Appl. Opt. 3(3) 399-403 (1964)

Optics of the Lower Atmosphere

F. Möller
Appl. Opt. 3(2) 157-166 (1964)

Optics and the Atmospheres of the Planets

William M. Sinton
Appl. Opt. 3(2) 175-180 (1964)

Inflight Satellite Measurements of Infrared Spectral Radiance of the Earth

Louis C. Block and Alex S. Zachor
Appl. Opt. 3(2) 209-214 (1964)