The excitation mechanisms of the red oxygen line 630 nm in the upper atmosphere

Possible excitation mechanisms in the case of the red oxygen line are related to photodissociation with excitation, dissociative recombination, and excitation by collision, mostly with electrons. The results of theoretical investigations conducted with the aid of an atmospheric model are compared with data obtained in an experimental study involving a rocket-borne photometer and mass spectrometer and also ground-based instruments. The significance of the individual excitation mechanisms is discussed.