REPORT ON AERONOMICAL EFFECTS The proposed SPS will have two effects on aeronomy. The first is analogous but not identical to the effect on optical astronomy, which is that the illumination of the night sky by the diffuse reflection from the SPS solar arrays will interfere with aeronomical observations. This effect is discussed both here and as part of the invited contribution of M. Davis which can be found in the radio effects section. Davis's remarks suggest that a substantial fraction of Arecibo's current optical aeronomy observations would be impossible following the construction of an SPS. The second effect of the SPS creates an aeronomical phenomenon through the interaction of the microwave beam with the ionosphere. K. Clark's contribution, which follows, describes this effect. In response to Clark's remarks, the optical astronomy working group concluded that the actual optical emissions that would result from the interaction should be predicted, which would allow their effect on optical astronomy to be assessed. The detailed analysis of ionospheric effects is another element of the current DOE/NASA SPS assessment, and, hopefully, that portion of the assessment will result in a prediction of the optical emissions.
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