Better real-time estimates of thermospheric density are vital to the safe management of satellite traffic in Low Earth orbit, ensuring those satellites continue to deliver critical services.
Thermospheric dynamics
![Two plots showing percent changes in TIME-GCM zonally averaged [O+] and [H+] as a function of latitude and altitude in the Northern Hemisphere between the “disturbed” and “pre-disturbance” time periods in 2012–2013](https://i0.wp.com/eos.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020JA028331-Figure-12-top-row-with-legend-sized-for-Eos.png?resize=820%2C615&ssl=1)
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Stratospheric Weather Impacts Light Species at Great Heights
Sudden stratospheric warmings in the high latitude wintertime can drive changes in light species (H, He and O) all the way though the thermosphere, likely influencing ion densities in the exosphere.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Windy Weather in the Thermosphere
The weather in the thermosphere includes winds that buffet spacecraft as they orbit the Earth, but how well can these winds be modeled?
Posted inNews
Charles A. Barth, 1930–2014
Long-time director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics conducted pioneering studies of the atmospheres of Earth and other planets using ultraviolet spectroscopy.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Role of Lunar Atmospheric Tides in Thermosphere Density
Researchers explored how lunar gravity affects the density of the thermosphere. The study could help improve the accuracy of satellite orbit predictions.