Journal ArticleQuantum Calculation of the Vibrational Excitation of Nitrogen Molecules by Fast Ions: Can It Contribute to STEVE Formation?Liang, Jun [Department of Physics &amp; Astronomy University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada] (ORCID:0000000245902978); Donovan, Eric [Department of Physics &amp; Astronomy University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada]<title>Abstract</title> <p>The vibrational‐translational (VT) excitation of nitrogen molecules led by collisions with fast ions in subauroral ion drifts (SAID) has been conceived as a potential underlying mechanism contributing to the formation of the Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) phenomenon (Harding et al., 2020,<ext-link href='https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl087102'>https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl087102</ext-link>). In this study, we perform quantum calculations of the VT excitation rates of N₂led by fast‐drifting ions, and evaluate the resulting vibrational distribution of N₂with ionospheric/thermospheric parameters expected under intense SAID condition. We conclude that, while the VT energy transfer led by SAID plays a distinguishable role in the vibrational excitation of N₂, it is incapable of populating the high vibrational levels to the required concentration (Harding et al., 2020,<ext-link href='https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl087102'>https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl087102</ext-link>) to produce adequate nitric oxide density, and in turn the nitrogen‐dioxide continuum intensity, to account for the STEVE brightness.</p>Wiley2024-09-1610674359Geophysical Research Letters51170094-8276https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL1109862445467National Science Foundation