ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy is a rich source of information about the Earth’s atmosphere. In this chapter we will survey the field of ultraviolet remote sensing measurements of the Earth’s atmosphere as currently practiced and as planned for the next decade, with emphasis on satellite-based measurements. We will review the underlying physics, particularly as it differs from that contributing to atmospheric measurements at longer wavelengths, and describe the techniques of data analysis used to process raw spectra into atmospheric quantities. We will describe progress in constructing and maintaining the extension of the HITRAN database into the ultraviolet, to serve as the standard repository for absorption cross sections for the analysis of atmospheric spectra. Finally, we will review the heritage of satellite UV spectrometers for atmospheric measurements and the current and planned instruments.
