Daytime thermospheric temperatures, wind velocities and emission intensities derived from ground based observations of the O I lambda 630 nm airglow line profile.

Observations of the [OI] λ630nm airglow emission line during the day has yielded estimates of thermospheric temperatures and wind velocities as well as emission intensities. Results are presented for January-February 1976, a period of low solar activity and low to moderate geomagnetic activity. It is found that the measured temperatures are significantly higher than those derived from published atmospheric models and the time of maximum is earlier. The wind velocities agree well with the model of HERNANDEZ and ROBLE (1977). The emission intensity measurements show a well defined, symmetrical daily variation with a maximum of approximately 2.5 kR at noon. The results obtained indicate the potential of such ground based observations to yield valuable data on the thermal and dynamical behaviour of the upper atmosphere.