Antarctic upper atmosphere investigations by optical methods

Important characteristics of the atmosphere can be studied by remote sensing from the ground and from space. Experiments that have been and are being carried out in Antarctica make use of imaging, photometry, spectroscopy and interferometry from the ground and complementary measurements from space. Recent spectral observations of the hydrogen aurora at Syowa, Antarctica, and at Husafell, Iceland, and concomitant measurements of proton fluxes by satellite borne particle detectors have renewed interest in the proton aurora. Unsolved aspects of this phenomenon are discussed and potentially fruitful observations in Antarctica are suggested.