CHAPMAN AIRGLOW MECHANISM RESURRECTED

A reanalysis is summarized of a previously unquestioned, sole source o f kinetic data, on the reaction of NaO with O-atom. It is apparent tha t there are significant uncertainties in the kinetic mechanism of the experiments. Moreover, it appears plausible that these reaction rate d ata do not relate to NaO but rather to Na2O. This conclusion has the p otential for resolving a dilemma concerning the chemiluminescent excit ation mechanism of sodium in the airglow and in long duration meteor t rails. It remains conceivable that Chapman's originally suggested sche me is valid and recently proposed alternative explanations invoking a role for NaO(A2SIGMA+) are unnecessary.