Hydroxyl airglow observations for investigating atmospheric dynamics: results and challenges

Abstract

Abstract. Measurements of hydroxyl (OH*) airglow intensity are a straightforward and cost-efficient method which allows information to be derived about the climate and dynamics of the upper mesosphere / lower thermosphere (UMLT) on different spatiotemporal scales during darkness. Today, instrument components can be bought “off-the-shelf” and developments in detector technology allows operation without cooling or at least without liquid nitrogen cooling, which is difficult to automate. This makes instruments compact and suitable for automated operation. Here, we provide an overview of the scientific results regarding atmospheric dynamics and relying on long-term ground-based OH*-airglow measurements or airglow measurements using a network of ground-based instruments. It includes further results from global or nearly-global satellite-based OH*-airglow measurements. Additionally, the results from the very few available airborne case studies using OH*-airglow instruments are summarised. Scientific and technical challenges for the next few years are described.