MOLECULAR OPTICAL THICKNESS OF THE ATMOSPHERES OF MARS AND VENUS
Abstract
The volume scattering coefficient and optical thickness for molecular scattering of sunlight in several different models of the atmospheres of Mars and Venus are presented. The computations are based on Rayleigh's well-known scattering law. Data are given for eight different wavelengths from 2500A to 10,000A, as a function of altitude above the planetary surface. Fractional transmission of direct solar radiation is then computed for selected cases. Comparison of results with similar data for Earth's atmosphere shows that light scattering techniques are applicable up to higher altitudes in the atmospheres of both Mars and Venus than in Earth's atmosphere. Under the assumptio that a normal optical thickness of 0.001 represents a lower limit for practical application, it is found that light scattering techniques can yield useful results up to altitudes of 90km to 100km on both Mars and Venus. The corresponding altitude for Earth's atmosphere is less than 60km. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0283055
Entities
People
- K.l. Coulson
- M. Lotman
Organizations
- General Electric