A method is presented which permits the determination of the height of the F2 peak and neutral wind velocities in the magnetic meridian, in the nighttime tropical ionosphere. The ratio of the zenith [O I> 6300-¿ column emission rate at a given height to its volume emission rate at that height is shown from a simple theoretical model to depend on the height of the F2 peak and the exospheric temperature. Simultaneous measurements of the electron density, the O2+ density, and the zenith 6300-¿ column emission rate, performed by the Atmosphere Explorer C(AE-C) satellite, have been analyzed in conjunction with the method, and neutral wind velocities in the magnetic meridian have been inferred. The method for deducing neutral wind velocities is essentially based on the asymmetries about the magnetic equator existent in the above mentioned ionospheric plasma parameters. The wind velocities obtained are generally consistent with the existing measurements and with the velocities derived from theoretical models of the global thermospheric wind system.