A high-altitude rocket measurement of nitric oxide

The nitric oxide density was measured from 110 to 300 km by a rocket photometer during the day. The small measured peak density, about 6.2 x 10 to the 6th/cu cm at 111 km, can probably be attributed to the period of very low solar magnetic activity preceding the rocket flight. This experiment was coordinated with a similar measurement made by the Ultraviolet Nitric Oxide Experiment aboard the Atmosphere Explorer C satellite; the measurements are in good agreement. The altitude resolution (less than 1 km) and sensitivity (1600 counts/R/s) greatly exceed those of previous measurements. Comparison to a model shows agreement above 200 km but less nitric oxide and more structure below that.