Measurements of CH4, N2O, CO, H2O, and O3 in the middle atmosphere by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy experiment on Spacelab 3

The volume mixing ratios of five minor gases (CH4, N2O, CO, H2O, and O3) have been retrieved through the middle atmosphere from the analysis of 0.01 cm−1 resolution infrared solar occultation spectra recorded near 28°N and 48°S latitudes with the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy instrument, flown on board Spacelab 3 (April 30 through May 6, 1985). The results, which constitute the first simultaneous observations of continuous profiles through the middle atmosphere for these gases, are in general agreement with reported measurements from ground‐, balloon‐, and satellite‐based instruments for the same seasons. In detail, the vertical profiles of these gases show the effects of the upper and middle atmospheric transport patterns dominant during the season of these observations. The profiles inferred at different longitudes around 28°N suggest a near‐uniform zonal distribution of these gases, for conditions corresponding to late spring. Although based on fewer observations, the sunrise occultation measurements (southern hemisphere early winter) point to a larger longitudinal variability in the vertical distribution of these gases at 48°S.