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Laboratory Evaluation and Application of Microwave Absorption Properties Under Simulated Conditions for Planetary AtmospheresRadio absorptivity data for planetary atmospheres obtained from spacecraft radio occultation experiments and earth-based radio astronomical observations can be used to infer abundances of microwave absorbing constituents in those atmospheres, as long as reliable information regarding the microwave absorbing properties of potential constituents is available. The use of theoretically-derived microwave absorption properties for such atmospheric constituents, or using laboratory measurements of such properties under environmental conditions which are significantly different than those of the planetary atmosphere being studied, often leads to significant misinterpretation of available opacity data. Laboratory measurements completed under this grant (NAGW-533), have shown that the opacity from, SO2 under simulated Venus conditions is best described by a different lineshape than was previously used in theoretical predictions. The recognition of the need to make such laboratory measurements of simulated planetary atmospheres over a range of temperatures and pressures which correspond to the altitudes probed by both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, and over a range of frequencies which correspond to those used in both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, has led to the development of a facility at Georgia Tech which is capable of making such measurements. It has been the goal of this investigation to conduct such measurements and to apply the results to a wide range of planetary observations, both spacecraft and earth-based, in order to determine the identity and abundance profiles of constituents in those planetary atmospheres.
Document ID
19970012778
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Steffes, Paul G. (Georgia Inst. of Tech. Atlanta, GA United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1997
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-203972
NAS 1.26:203972
Accession Number
97N16983
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-533
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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