The variability of the airglow for the detection of atmospheric dynamics with high temporal and spatial resolution over a large range in space and time, potentially leading to the concept of a satellite-borne mission
The emissions of the atmospheric airglow can be measured with powerful spectrometers and imagers. Their signatures allow conclusions to be drawn about the spatio-temporal structures of dynamic processes such as atmospheric waves but also turbulence.
In principle, satellite-based measurements allow to answer a multitude of questions from fundamental and applied research. The first includes, for example, nonlinear wave-wave interactions and energy balance, the latter the recording of the activity of strong storm systems (differential angular momentum), of volcanic activity as well as of earth and seaquakes and much more. The use of a swarm of small satellites allows the optimal observation configuration depending on the measurement target (formation flight, e.g. for tomography or pointing applications).
The object of this Working Group is to discuss a possible future Network for the Detection of Mesospheric Change (NDMC) satellite mission and to identify innovative methods for optimal observation configuration (incl. use of small satellites swarms) depending on the measurement target.