Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first spectrophotometric investigations of the atmosphere and natural formations of the earth from manned space ships and orbital stations. Visual observations by cosmonauts are compared with the results of the spectrophotometry of the twilight and daytime horizon of the earth. The evolution of optical phenomena in the earth’s atmosphere during interaction with solar radiation as the space ship moves in orbit is described. A brief description is given of a new optical phenomenon—the vertical-ray structure of the daytime radiation of the earth’s upper atmosphere in the transition region from the nighttime emission layer to the zone of a developed colored aureole. A manual satellite spectrograph is briefly described—the first spectral device ever installed on manned space ships. The results are given of the first experiment on eclipse probing of the earth’s atmosphere in order to investigate the vertical distribution of minor gaseous components. A new scientific specialization is formulated—space spectrophotometry of the natural environment.

© 2015 Optical Society of America

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