This project will measure vertical neutral atmospheric motions in the F-region using existing Fabry-Perot interferometers, by observing the atomic oxygen red line emissions from the ionosphere. To calibrate the FPI for velocity, the PIs will produce and evaluate a zero velocity reference standard for use with Fabry-Perot interferometers. First, the PI will build a new laboratory 630 nm lamp at the University of Pittsburgh, and compare it with various secondary reference sources at Millstone Hill. The comparison between the oxygen lamp and the secondary sources will determine the effective velocity difference between the lamp and the ionospheric red line. Once secondary standards have been calibrated, the PI will acquire and analyze data using existing FPIs along with these standards, measuring vertical motions by a long series of observations.
