Detection of nighttime atmospheric scattering of lunar UV radiances by the Nimbus 4 BUV instrument

Morphological studies of nighttime dark current data from the Nimbus 4 backscattered UV experiment indicate enhancements during the period of a full moon. The nature and magnitude of these lunar UV radiance enhancements are determined, and their potential use as a measure of nighttime ozone is considered. The data were grouped into five-day study intervals centered about each full moon sequence, and about each corresponding new moon interval. The analysis was performed in a magnetic frame of reference (McIlwain, 1961) in order to evaluate magnetospheric perturbation effects and to minimize the effects of charged energetic particle contamination or precipitation. All isolated elements showing spurious or abnormal enhancements were removed selectively (about 3%) to further screen the data. Results demonstrate the presence and uniqueness of a lunar signal, induced by atmospherically backscattered UV radiation. This signal was not sufficiently strong, however, to accurately map global nighttime ozone on the Nimbus 4 instrument.