The objective of this research is to study the various energy exchange processes occurring between the magnetosphere and low/mid latitude thermosphere during magnetic storms. The study entails the measurement and interpretation of optical emissions produced by the precipitation of ring current particles into the low/mid latitude thermosphere. It is proposed to continue ground-based optical observations at McDonald Observatory in southwest Texas using a set of existing photometers and spectrometers. Physical processes to be studied from such observations include the precipitation of energetic neutrals, ions, and soft electron fluxes, the effects of ionospheric heating, ionization, and excitation from such fluxes, and the distribution of ring current particles and the ionospheric current systems associated with the precipitation.
