Observations of the microwave emission of Venus from 1.3 to 3.6 cm

An account is given of the methodology as well as the results of coordinated Venus emission observations conducted at four wavelengths between 1.35 and 3.6 cm; the results are compared with other observations and with calculated mission spectra, with a view to suggestions that the microwave spectrum of Venus could be sensitive to the subcloud abundance of such constituents as SO2 and gaseous H2SO4. The observed emission spectrum is consistent with an average subcloud abundance of gaseous H2SO4 in equatorial and midlatitude regions of about 5 ppm. An upper limit is established for the subcloud SO2 abundance.