NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Detection of SO2 in the UV spectrum of VenusThe broad absorption feature below 3300 A in the Venus UV spectrum is identified as primarily due to SO2 absorption based on new higher resolution spectra of the 3000-3400 A region showing broad (10 A), unresolved absorptions in the regions at all SO2 band origins between 3000 and 3300 A. SO2 mixing ratios vary from 5 x 10 to the -7th down to an upper limit of 2 x 10 to the -8th at a phase angle of 138 deg. Previous observational determinations of the SO2 mixing ratio were biased toward large phase angles, and consequently did not detect any SO2 absorption at the 10 to the -8th level. The upper limit derived from the CS2 band head at 3206 A is not greater than 5 x 10 to the -8th. The observed range of SO2 mixing ratios is consistent with model predictions based on the sulfur photochemistry at the cloud tops. Ground-based observations of SO2 mixing ratio will provide constraints on models and check on the Venera and Pioneer Venus measurements of the mixing ratios of SO2 and other sulfur-bearing gases with altitude.
Document ID
19790042027
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Barker, E. S.
(Texas, University Austin, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 6
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A26040
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-012-152
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available