Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006dps....38.1602d&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #38, #16.02; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 38, p.510
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Due to the polar eccentric orbit of Venus Express, observations of VIRTIS on Venus Express give global and local coverage in the Southern hemisphere, but only statistical sampling in the Northern hemisphere along narrow tracks, and limb observations with kilometric spatial resolution. Day and night side observations are recorded, depending on the phase of the mission. Global mosaics can be retrieved from a South polar view only at 60,000km distance, when low latitudes are partially imaged from above 20,000 km.
The upper atmosphere of Venus can be studied by VIRTIS along the following topics:
· Thermal structure from 60-90 km, on the night side
· Composition and spatial or temporal variations in minor elements (CO, e.g.) above the clouds from the day side
· O2 nightglow emission at 1.27 μm
· Search for O2 emission in the visible
· CO2 fluorescent emission at 4.3 μm (day side)
High resolution maps of the O2 1.27 μm-emission have been obtained, showing extended complex structures in the Southern hemisphere. Low latitude emissions peak at longitudes shifted from midnight towards the morning terminator. CO2 fluorescence is observed at a very high level at the limb, but extends in the whole illuminated hemisphere. According to the model, this emission takes place at high atmospheric altitudes ( 110 km), and could help studying these poorly known atmospheric layers. Continuing observations during the Venus Express mission will give a unique way to study dynamical variations of all these phenomena. In addition, VIRTIS data will be checked for any unexpected behaviour of Venus, like lightning or surface anomalies.
Drossart Pierre
Piccioni Giuseppe
VIRTIS Venus Express Team
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