Other
Scientific paper
Sep 1976
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976jgr....81.4757b&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 81, Sept. 1, 1976, p. 4757-4760. NASA-NSF-supported research.
Other
3
Ionic Reactions, Ionospheric Ion Density, Metal Ions, Night Sky, Planetary Ionospheres, Venus Atmosphere, Atmospheric Ionization, Charge Carriers, Chemical Reactions, Ionospheric Electron Density, Life (Durability), Mariner 10 Space Probe, Mariner 5 Space Probe
Scientific paper
A substantial nightside ionosphere has been observed on Venus by both Mariner 5 and Mariner 10. Major dayside ionic species such as O2(+) and other molecular ions have chemical lifetimes much shorter than the 244.3-day rotation period of the planet. Rapid transport of ions from the dayside to the nightside to the extent required seems most unlikely. Consequently, possibilities are investigated for local production of ions on the nightside itself. Constraints imposed by chemical lifetimes require atomic ions with low ionization potentials. It is suggested that metallic ions of meteoric origin are the positive charge carriers, and the plausibility of this mechanism is demonstrated. Other possibilities are examined and shown to be less likely. Meteor ablation on Venus, the aeronomy of metallic species, and the role of negative ions near the electron peaks of the atmosphere are discussed.
Butler Dixon M.
Chamberlain Joseph W.
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