STUDIES OF HIGH-LATITUDE THERMOSPHERE UTILIZING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

The investigation of the space environment requires the use of experimental and theoretical tools and resources in order to perform the research task. Understanding of these research tools is imperative for proper interpretation of the results. In this paper, we discuss on research tools that are widely used in the field of aeronomy; Fabry-Perot interferometer and Michelson interferometer. These instruments have been used extensively as passive optical devices, spectrally monitoring the natural atmospheric emissions (airglow). This function has made both instruments valuable tools in upper atmospheric studies since they provide the ability to determine the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the upper atmosphere by monitoring naturally-occuring emission.