Development and analysis of a twelfth degree and order gravity model for Mars

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

13

Gravitational Fields, Harmonic Analysis, Mars (Planet), Planetary Gravitation, Spherical Harmonics, Deep Space Network, Mariner 9 Space Probe, Planetary Structure, Root-Mean-Square Errors, Viking Orbiter 1, Viking Orbiter 2

Scientific paper

Satellite geodesy techniques previously applied to artificial earth satellites have been extended to obtain a high-resolution gravity field for Mars. Two-way Doppler data collected by 10 Deep Space Network (DSN) stations during Mariner 9 and Viking 1 and 2 missions have been processed to obtain a twelfth degree and order spherical harmonic model for the martian gravitational potential. The quality of this model was evaluated by examining the rms residuals within the fit and the ability of the model to predict the spacecraft state beyond the fit. Both indicators show that more data and higher degree and order harmonics will be required to further refine our knowledge of the martian gravity field. The model presented shows much promise, since it resolves local gravity features which correlate highly with the martian topography. An isostatic analysis based on this model, as well as an error analysis, shows rather complete compensation on a global (long wavelength) scale. Though further model refinements are necessary to be certain, local (short wavelength) features such as the shield volcanos in Tharsis appear to be uncompensated. These are interpreted to place some bounds on the internal structure of Mars.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Development and analysis of a twelfth degree and order gravity model for Mars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Development and analysis of a twelfth degree and order gravity model for Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Development and analysis of a twelfth degree and order gravity model for Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1448282

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.