Sky science
Airglow
Direct answer
Airglow is faint light emitted continuously by atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere through chemical and radiative processes.
It is the atmosphere’s own dim night emission.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Zodiacal Light, Gegenschein, Dark Adaptation, Limiting Magnitude
It is the atmosphere’s own dim night emission.
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The story behind Airglow
Spectroscopy established that the dark night sky contains atmospheric emission.
A one-minute story
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How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Airglow matters
Airglow sets a natural background limit even far from artificial lighting.
Airglow in practice: an example
Long-exposure images can record green or red airglow structures invisible to casual sight.
Where readings of Airglow go wrong
Airglow is global and persistent, unlike many localized auroral displays.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Night Lights - NASA observing context for zodiacal light, airglow, aurora, and other dim night-sky light.
- NASA Science: Skywatching FAQ - NASA guidance for observing stars, planets, constellations, and changing sky events.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Recognize Earth’s quiet night glow
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Common questions
What is airglow?
Airglow is faint light emitted continuously by atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere through chemical and radiative processes.
What do people get wrong about airglow?
Airglow is global and persistent, unlike many localized auroral displays.
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