MSX: Remotely sensed observations of atmospheric infrared radiance and spatial structure

摘要

The MSX SPIRIT III infrared radiometer and interferometer/spectrometer completed 233 episodic data collection events of remotely sensed atmospheric limb and terrestrial scenes from April 1996 to February 1997. The below the horizon (BTH) or terrestrial scenes were recorded in two mid wavelength infrared (MWIR) radiometer bands centered near 4.3 microns. The above the horizon (ATH) measurements were measured simultaneously in the MWIR bands and four long wavelength infrared (LWIR) bands extending over the wavelength range from 6.8 to 25.1 microns. MSX results included the initial space based MWIR observations of gravity waves in the stratosphere. This source of atmospheric structure was detected in approximately 30 percent of the BTH and low limb MWIR measurements. As anticipated the MSX MWIR BTH results also included structure produced by clouds with large contrast ratios produced by high altitude clouds in the equatorial region. The MSX MWIR and LWIR measurements include observations of the radiance and structure associated with a range of atmospheric phenomena including clouds, gravity waves, airglow, day-night terminator transitions and aurora. Representative samples of these and other significant finding in the MSX measurements of infrared terrestrial and earth limb backgrounds are presented.