Planetary atmosphere observation analysis

Abstract:

The Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer performed spectral studies of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites during the June 1996 perijove pass of the Galileo spacecraft. Spectra for a 5-micrometer hot spot on Jupiter are consistent with the absence of a significant water cloud above 8 bars and with a depletion of water compared to that predicted for solar composition, corroborating results from the Galileo probe. Great Red Spot (GRS) spectral images show that parts of this feature extend upward to 240 millibars, although considerable altitude-dependent structure is found within it. A ring of dense clouds surrounds the GRS and is lower than it by 3 to 7 kilometers. Spectra of Callisto and Ganymede reveal a feature at 4. 25 micrometers, attributed to the presence of hydrated minerals or possibly carbon dioxide on their surfaces. Spectra of Europa's high latitudes imply that fine-grained water frost overlies larger grains. Several active volcanic regions were found on Io, with temperatures of 420 to 620 kelvin and projected areas of 5 to 70 square kilometers.

Abstract:

The spectral band data derived by Strong et al. [1993] for laboratory-measured transmission spectra of hydrogen-broadened methane at 10 cm-1 resolution have been fitted with k coefficients over a wide range of pressures and temperatures representing those likely to be encountered in the atmosphere of Jupiter. The mean fitting error is found to be only 2.0×10-3 in transmission. These data are essential for the scattering calculations likely to be necessary for analysis of the data from the Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer aboard the NASA Galileo spacecraft. The new data have significant advantages over those previously derived by Baines et al. [1993] in that they cover a wider spectral range, are applicable to longer paths, and also apply to the hydrogen-broadened case, which is the dominant broadening mechanism in this atmosphere. A similar table has also been calculated for the self-broadening case for comparison. Copyright 1996 by the American Geophysical Union.

Abstract:

A concept has been developed for a remote sensing experiment to investigate the physics of the Martian atmosphere from a spin-stabilized orbiter, like that planned for the InterMarsNet mission. Using coincident infrared and microwave channels and limb-to-limb scanning, it can map the planet much more extensively than previously in temperature, atmospheric dust loading, and humidity. When combined with one or more surface stations measuring the same variables, the sounder experiment can contribute to major progress in understanding the general circulation and dust and water cycles of the atmosphere of Mars, and the characterization of medium-scale meteorological systems. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.