Unflown example of a far ultraviolet photometer and associated accessories of the type flown on Aerobee sounding rockets by the Aeronomy group at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This instrument was transferred to NASM by NRL in March 1986.
As part of its studies of the upper atmosphere the NRL sent specialized instruments to extreme altitudes on Aerobee sounding rockets. Maximum altitude for the rockets was close to 230 kilometers. This far ultraviolet photometer is representative of those sent up in rockets in about 1967 for observations of the Earth's nightglow, called the geocorona. This photometer was designed to detect the ultraviolet radiation emitted by hydrogen at the Lyman beta wavelength. A collimator and an indium filter to exclude stray signals guard the aperture of the tube; it uses a conventional photomultiplier to amplify the signal.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Dimensions
3-D: 20.3 x 6.4cm (8 x 2 1/2 in.)
Materials
Black anodized metal; quartz optics
Inventory Number
A19870162000
Credit Line
Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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