Imposters Among the Northern Lights: Using Emission Spectra to Identify and Characterize Enhanced Aurora

Recently, several 'aurora-like forms' have been identified with emission spectrums that are unable to be explained by particle precipitation, suggesting alternative ways to create light. Often embedded within the normal aurora are thin, luminous layers known as 'Enhanced Aurora' whose spectrums display an unusually high green/blue ratio. This study investigates the frequency and stability of Enhanced Aurora in preparation for a proposed rocket campaign that aims to measure this phenomenon for the first time and further our understanding of these features. Research on the frequency of Enhanced Aurora and the conditions in which they occur is limited, as these factors have not been thoroughly investigated since the 1980s (Hallinan et al., 1985). Using data from the TREx Spectrograph located in Rabbit Lake, Canada, we develop an algorithm to identify Enhanced Aurora in spectral data and build a library of examples for analysis and comparison to previous kinetic models (e.g., Gasque et al., 2023). To ensure the integrity of this algorithm and the statistics derived from it, corrections were implemented to account for a nonzero baseline and wavelength-dependent distortion. This research also paves the way for further exploration of additional aurora-like forms such as STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) and the Picket Fence.