A rocket instrument for imaging the aurora by means of high speed photometric scanning

A high resolution rocket-borne mechanical flying spot scanner has evolved from similar ground-based instruments. The spinning motion of the rocket together with that of a motor-driven prism are used to scan a narrow-angle photometer systematically and repetitively over the full 4π sr region around the rocket. Outputs from two wavelengths selected by narrow-band interference filters are available from the one instrument. The large quantity of data thus obtained are first reproduced in pictorial form making it relatively easy to identify auroral and airglow features which can then be studied quantitatively. Computer reduction of the data also makes it possible to determine the attitude of the vehicle carrying the scanner to an accuracy better than can be achieved with an aspect magnetometer. Results illustrating the capabilities of the instrument and data analysis system have been obtained from rocket AKD-VB-27 which was launched from the Churchill Research Range, 20 January 1971.