Existence and charge state of meteoric smoke particles in the middle atmosphere

With coordinated in-situ and ground-based measurements we will prove or disprove the existence of meteoric smoke particles in the upper mesosphere, as well as study their height and charge distribution, if they exist. These particles most probably play a major role in the nucleation of ice particles that create Noctilucent Clouds (NLC) and Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes (PMSE). Our German colleagues have developed and tested a new instrument for direct measurement of the smoke particles, while we will con tribute instruments for measurements of plasma parameters (ion density, electron density, electron temperature). The rocket experiments will be combined with extensive ground-based measurements by lidar instruments and radars. ALOMAR and EISCAT are the mo st important ground-based facilities for this campaign.