Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-05-25
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in Astronomy&Astrophysics, Herschel First Results special issue
Scientific paper
We have obtained the first continuous disk averaged spectrum of Mars from 450 to 1550 Ghz using the Herschel-SPIRE Fourier Transform Spectrometer. The spectrum was obtained at a constant resolution of 1.4 GHz across the whole band. The flux from the planet is such that the instrument was operated in "bright source" mode to prevent saturation of the detectors. This was the first successful use of this mode and in this work we describe the method used for observing Mars together with a detailed discussion of the data reduction techniques required to calibrate the spectrum. We discuss the calibration accuracy obtained and describe the first comparison with surface and atmospheric models. In addition to a direct photometric measurement of the planet the spectrum contains the characteristic transitions of 12CO from J 5-4 to J 13-12 as well as numerous H2O transitions. Together these allow the comparison to global atmospheric models allowing the mean mixing ratios of water and 12CO to be investigated. We find that it is possible to match the observed depth of the absorption features in the spectrum with a fixed water mixing ratio of 1 x 10-4 and a 12CO mixing ratio of 9 x 10-4
Banaszkiewicz Marek
Bensch Frank
Bergin Edwin
Billebaud F.
Biver Nicolas
No associations
LandOfFree
The Herschel-SPIRE submillimetre spectrum of 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 The Herschel-SPIRE submillimetre spectrum of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Herschel-SPIRE submillimetre spectrum of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-298303