Rate of formation of excited atomic nitrogen during the dissociation of N2 in the upper atmosphere

The rate of formation of N(2P) and N(2D) during N2 dissociation via electron impact and solar short-wavelength radiation is calculated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The quenching of N(2P) by atomic oxygen is studied, and a quenching rate constant of 3.5 x 10 to the -11th cu cm/s is derived. Taking into account the calculated N(2P) yield and the derived constant, data on N I 346.6 forbidden-line emission and N I 1040.0 nm forbidden-line emission in the dayglow are explained.