ON THE N2 LYMAN-BIRGE-HOPFIELD BAND NIGHTGLOW

Observations of the nightglow emission from the STP 72-1 spacecraft are consistent with the report of an anomalous N//2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield band reported previously. A seasonal variation is observed, with maximum brightness reaching several hundred Raylieghs in northern summer, and with little or no emission in southern winter. Results from these experiments are reviewed, along with positive and negative observations from a number of other experiments. A variety of excitation mechanisms are examined. None are able to account for the various features of the Lyman-Birge-Hopfield nightglow.