Measurement of nitric oxide in the stratosphere between 17·4 and 22·9 km

On 16 March 1973, the York U./U.S.U. chemiluminescent nitric oxide instrument was flown successfully from Hollomon Air Force Base, New Mexico, 32° 50·1′ N lat. The instrument was operated between 17:40 and 22:05UT. Most of the measurements were carried out during three ascent, float and descent cycles between 17·4 and 22·9 km. Within the uncertainty of the measurements no differences were seen among results obtained during ascent, float and descent mode, which indicated that there were no major sampling problems resulting from contamination of the atmosphere. The NO mixing ratio was found to be 0·1 ppb v/v with an accuracy of 60 per cent. No change was observed within this accuracy over the small altitude range investigated.