Comparison of a Thermospheric Photochemical Model with SNOE Observations of Nitric Oxide

A time-dependent, photochemical model has been used to calculate nitric oxide density in the lower thermosphere for 935 days (March 11, 1998 - September 30, 2000) as a function of latitude. The model data has been compared with observations made by the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE). The energy inputs to the model are solar soft x-rays, solar extreme ultraviolet radiation, and auroral electrons. The solar soft x-rays in the 2-7 nm wavelength band have been measured by the SNOE solar x-ray photometer. The atmospheric structure is calculated using the MSIS model with the 10.7 cm radio flux and the geomagnetic index Ap as inputs. The model calculation has been performed for latitudes between 0 and 80 degrees N in steps of 5 degrees. A model calculation for the two and a half years using only solar soft x-rays (no auroral electrons) shows strong seasonal behavior in the nitric oxide density particularly in the regions of polar night. The correlation of the calculated nitric oxide density at the equator with SNOE observations shows excellent agreement and a high correlation coefficient. A model calculation with both solar soft x-rays and auroral electron precipitation shows large and varying nitric oxide density in the auroral region between 60 and 70 degrees geomagnetic latitude. When the model calculation is subtracted from the SNOE observations, excess nitric oxide is found equatorward of the auroral region. Since the only source of odd nitrogen in the region between 0 and 55 degrees N is the solar soft x-ray source and that is accounted for in the model, this excess nitric oxide is attributed to nitric oxide that has been transported out of the auroral region by meridional winds.