Enhanced response of thermospheric cooling emission to negative pressure pulse

Abstract

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) emission via 5.3 µm wavelength plays dominant role in regulating the thermospheric temperature due to thermostat nature. The response of NO 5.3 mm emission to the negative pressure impulse during November 06–09, 2010 is studied by using Sounding of Atmosphere by Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) observations onboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite and model simulations. The TIMED/SABER satellite observations demonstrate a significant enhancement in the high latitude region. The Open Geospace General Circulation Model (OpenGGCM), Weimer model simulations and Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment measurements exhibit intensification and equatorward expansion of the field-aligned-currents (FACs) post-negative pressure impulse period due to the expansion of the dayside magnetosphere. The enhanced FACs drive precipitation of low energy particle flux and Joule heating rate affecting whole magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere system. Our study based on electric fields and conductivity derived from the EISCAT Troms $${\o }$$ ø radar and TIEGCM simulation suggests that the enhanced Joule heating rate and the particle precipitations prompt the increase in NO cooling emission.