Jan 1977
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977icar...30...42h&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 30, Jan. 1977, p. 42-48.
Physics
Atmospheric Refraction, Mars Atmosphere, Mars Surface, Optical Illusion, Viking Lander Spacecraft, Diurnal Variations, Equations Of State, Mars (Planet), Panoramic Cameras, Temperature Inversions
Scientific paper
The elementary physics of gaseous refraction is applied in an attempt to ascertain whether mirages can be detected on Mars by the Viking lander cameras. The likelihood of occurrence of superior and inferior mirages is examined using the Martian temperature profiles of Gierasch and Goody (1968), who predicted strong thermal inversions during the morning. It is found that the predicted inversions are much too weak to produce adequate downward ray curvature for superior mirages but that inferior mirages may be commonplace if there are reasonably superadiabatic lapse rates during the afternoon. It is suggested that the Viking lander cameras will frequently record what appear to be pools of shiny liquid at a minimum distance of about 1.58 km for the largest superadiabatic lapse rates near the surface. Effects of planetary and terrain curvature on the calculated distance to a mirage are discussed.
Hess Seymour L.
Mitchell Jonathan L.
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