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The airglow phenomenon was first identified in 1868 by Swedish scientist Anders Ångström. Since then, it has been studied in the laboratory, and various chemical reactions have been observed to emit electromagnetic energy as part of the process. Scientists have identified some of those processes that would be present in Earth's atmosphere, and astronomers have verified that such emissions are present.
Comet Lovejoy passing behind Earth's airglow on December 22, 2011