Rocket Experiments on Auroral X-Rays at Syowa Station, Antarctica in 1971-1973

Abstract

This report briefly summarizes preliminary results of a series of rocket experiments on auroral X-rays carried out at Syowa Station, Antarctica during 1971-1973. Dual sets of sounding rockets were launched each year to an altitude between 100 km and 130 km. From five of six nights in total, distinct auroral X-ray fluxes with energies above 4 keV were recorded using one or two Nal scintillation counters. These recordings revealed the existence of a rapid time variation of the spatial distribution, a good relation with visible and ultraviolet emissions, and a spectral change with time of the auroral X-rays.