Comments on the origin of infrared emissions in the auroral regions

Balloon measurements of the upper atmosphere show large enhancements of radiation in the spectralinterval 10-13μ at auroral latitudes. Areas of enhanced radiation can be recognized in the NOAA 10.5-12.5μ infrared pictures obtained within the auroral regions, but no correlation with visual aurora has been found. It is possible that enhanced infrared radiation can originate from transitions between vibrational levels of different electronic states of N2 and O2. (Auth)