The investigation of the space environment requires the use of experimental and theoretical tools and resources in order to perform the research task. Understanding of these research tools is imperative for proper interpretation of the results. In this paper, we discuss on research tools that are widely used in the field of aeronomy; Fabry-Perot interferometer and Michelson interferometer. These instruments have been used extensively as passive optical devices, spectrally monitoring the natural atmospheric emissions (airglow). This function has made both instruments valuable tools in upper atmospheric studies since they provide the ability to determine the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the upper atmosphere by monitoring naturally-occuring emission.

A series of aqueous or methanol extracts from four different Korean salad plants were assayed to determine their allelopathy and antioxidant activity. The extracts applied on filter paper in a Petri-dish bioassay significantly inhibited root growth of against alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings. Leaf extracts from 40 g dry tissue L-1 of Aster yomena was most phytotoxic to alfalfa root growth, and followed by that of Cirsium japonicum, Taraxacum officinale, and Ixeris dentate. Methanol extracts of plants dose-dependently increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from the same plant species was investigated, and the result showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity in Cirsium japonicum, Aster yomena, and Ixeris dentate, however, in Taraxacum officinale was least activity. By means of HPLC analysis, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and total phenolics with 7.68, 17.47 and 18.64 mg, 100g-1, respectively, showed the highest amounts in methanol extracts from Cirsium japonicum leaves. These results suggest that Compositae salad plants contain water-soluble substances with allelopathic potential as well as antioxidant activity.