The infrared spectrum of the airglow

The techniques of studying the IR airglow are briefly discussed followed by a review of recent observations. The main emphasis is on the molecular emissions of OH and O₂ from the mesosphere and lower thermosphere with a shorter discussion of the F-region atomic emissions. The theoretical interpretations of these emissions are reviewed. It is concluded that dynamic effects must play a dominant and as yet incompletely understood part in the photochemistry of the molecular emission region. An atlas of recently available airglow spectra is included.NRCC No. 13554.