OBSERVATIONS OF THE INFRARED EMISSION OF PLANETS AND DETERMINATION OF THEIR TEMPERATURES
Abstract
Modern infrared techniques were applied to the measurement of the spectrum of thermal radiation received from the planets, and determination of their temperatures. Observations were made in the transparent region 8 - 13 microns. Corrections of the observations for the lack of full transmission of the earth's atmosphere were determined by extrapolation of observed planetary emission to outside of the atmosphere, using the square-root law. The radiometric observations were made with a 200-in telescope. On reduction, these observations yielded temperatures at the center of the disks of Venus and of Mars of -39 and 15 C, respectively. Interesting temperature situations on the planets were found and correlated with photographic appearances. The diurnal temperature variations of both Mars and Venus was determined. Spectra of Venus and Mars in the 8 - 13 micron spectral region were obtained with both prism and grating spectrometers. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0250440
Entities
People
- John Strong
- William M. Sinton
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University