Elucidating the underlying role of electron-driven processes in atmospheric phenomena

Electron-impact excitation plays an important role in emission from aurora and a less significant but nonetheless crucial role in the dayglow and nightglow. For some molecules, such as N$_{\rm 2}$, O$_{\rm 2}$ and NO, electron-impact excitation can be followed by radiative cascade through many different sets of energy levels, producing emission with a rich number of lines. We review the application of our enhanced statistical equilibrium program to predict this rich spectrum of radiation, and we compare results we have obtained against available independent measurements. Specific examples, including fundamental IR emission in NO, the 0.76$\mu$m O$_{\rm 2}$ line and VUV emission in N$_{\rm 2}$, will be chosen to highlight the underlying role of electron processes in their origin. \newline \newline Collaborators: L. Campbell and P.J.O. Teubner.