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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
08:23
Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
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Thermospheric Nitric Oxide Response to Shock-led Storms
D J Knipp1,2, D V Pette1, L M Kilcommons1
1Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.
Space Weather : the International Journal of Research & Applications
|August 22, 2017
Summary
Interplanetary shocks from coronal mass ejections cause excessive nitric oxide (NO) in Earth's thermosphere. This NO cools the atmosphere, impacting satellite drag during intense space weather events.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Atmospheric Science
- Aeronomy
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a key cooling agent in the thermosphere.
- Thermospheric cooling by NO competes with storm-time heating, creating a thermostat effect.
- Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are major drivers of space weather.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of shock-led ICMEs on thermospheric NO production and cooling.
- To quantify the role of precipitating particles and Joule heating in NO enhancement.
- To understand the implications for thermospheric expansion and satellite drag forecasting.
Main Methods:
- Multi-year superposed epoch analysis of Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry NO data.
- Utilized Defense Meteorological Satellite Program particle precipitation data.
- Correlated NO emissions with interplanetary shock events and ICME drivers.
Main Results:
- Shock-led ICMEs trigger early and excessive thermospheric NO production and infrared emissions.
- Precipitating particle fluxes and Joule heating are significantly amplified by shocks/ICMEs, doubling NO emissions.
- Extreme events lead to thermospheric 'overcooling', limiting neutral density increase and potentially affecting satellite drag.
Conclusions:
- Thermospheric NO IR cooling plays a critical role in tempering extreme space weather impacts.
- Shock/sheath structures influence the thermosphere's response to energy input.
- Understanding shock-driven NO is crucial for accurate satellite drag forecasting during severe geomagnetic storms.
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