The H− equilibrium using coupled rate equations for H−, H,H+, H2, and H2 +

We formulate rate equations for the reaction network coupling H, H^–, H⁺, H₂, and H₂ ⁺. We attempt to systematize the notation, and to write the equations in a form suitable for modern computational methods of handling the coupled rate equations and radiative transfer equations, for both dynamical and static atmospheres. We have accounted for more processes than are generally considered in most current work; some of these may have an impact on the equilibrium of H^– (hence its opacity) and on charge conservation (hence the proton density) in the atmospheres of solar-type stars.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under Contract AST 78-17292 with the National Science Foundation.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

Comments on the paper entitled: Turbulence,billows and gravity waves in a high shear region of the upper atmosphere by K.H. Lloyd,C.H. Low and R.A. Vincent

Some of the observational evidence which leads to the conclusion by Layzer and Bedinger (1969) that the small scale structure of high altitude vapor trails is not produced by preexisting atmospheric turbulence is recalled briefly in response to the recent report by Lloyd, Low and Vincent (1973). Specifically noted are: the difference in the structure of the ‘up’ and ‘down’ trails, the delay in appearance of the globular structure, and the equal frequency of occurrence of globules in regions of low and high wind shear. It is concluded that the observation presented by Lloyd, Low and Vincent does not alter our conclusion which is based on a large number of trails.     

Comment on: “Electrical coupling of the E- and F-regions”: by R. A. Heelis,P. C. Kendall,R. J. Moffett,D. W. Windle and H. Rishbeth

New measurements have been made of the reduced polarization in a Fraunhofer line (Hβ) of blue sky light. The value of the depolarization agrees well with a previously reported intensity filling-in effect. There is no evidence of a change of the azimuth of vibration of the polarization across the line profile.