Atmospheric formation of NO from N 2 (A³Σ)

The reaction between N 2 (A³Σ) and O(³P) contributes to the production of O(¹S) in auroras. It is argued here that the other possible products for the reaction, NO(X²π) + N(²D, 4 S) also may be significant and have an important impact upon odd nitrogen chemistry in the auroral E‐region and perhaps even the quiet daytime E‐region which is formed in part by ionization created by energetic electrons liberated by the absorption of solar X‐rays. The reaction between N 2 (A³Σ) and O 2 (X³Σ), which has been suggested as leading to N 2 O formation, is discussed.