Otto Jesse and the Investigation of Noctilucent Clouds 115 Years Ago

Abstract

Extracts from Otto Jesse's papers relating to twilight studies, noctilucent clouds, and atmospheric movements are presented here to illustrate his contribution to the subject during the years 1884-1901. The most important result of his activity was the establishment of the Berlin Atmospheric Programme, which included regular monitoring of noctilucent clouds by visual and photographic means. Furthermore, Jesse studied problems of dynamic processes in noctilucent clouds and in the corresponding upper-atmospheric layers.