Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jun 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979natur.279..614t&link_type=abstract
Nature, vol. 279, June 14, 1979, p. 614-616. NASA-supported research.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
13
Lightning, Pioneer Venus Spacecraft, Signal Detection, Venus Atmosphere, Atmospheric Electricity, Electric Fields, Ionospheric Electron Density, Ionospheric Propagation, Propagation Modes, Spaceborne Astronomy, Whistlers, Venus, Venera 11, Venera 12, Lightning, Electric Fields, Pioneer Venus, Ionosphere, Nightside, Magnetic Fields, Magnetometers
Scientific paper
Evidence for lightning on Venus obtained by the Pioneer Venus 1 Orbiter is presented. The first indications of lightning were detected by the electric field detector on board the Orbiter when the spacecraft periapsis, which is well within the ionosphere, moved into the night side of the planet. Impulsive wave signals were primarily detected at altitudes less than 25 km, and were found to be strongest at frequencies corresponding to propagation in the whistler mode, occurring at an average rate of about 0.5/sec. The signals were often observed during intervals of low and variable electron densities. It is tentatively concluded on the basis of the above observations that the impulsive events were caused by Venusian lightning.
Brace Larry H.
Russell Christopher T.
Scarf Frederick L.
Taylor William W. L.
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