Determination of Martian and Cytherean Atmospheric Composition with an Entry Probe by Measurement of Ultraviolet and X-Ray Attenuation

摘要

Measurement of the attenuation of solar ultraviolet radiation in three wavelength bands and of solar X-rays in one band can provide considerable information about the structure and composition of the Martian atmosphere. The four bands are chosen so as to permit the maximum of information about the atmosphere consistent with the simplicity of the experiment. Two bands, 2200-3000 A and 3000-4000 A, furnish information on molecular density, aerosol content, and ozone, if present, in the atmosphere below 15-25 km. These bands may also detect high altitude aerosol layers. The other two bands, 2-8 A and 1050-1350 A (or 1225-1350 A, or 1425-1480 A), furnish information on CO2 number density and total number density in the upper atmosphere. Similar experiments in the upper Cytherean atmosphere using the sun as a source and in the lower Cytherean atmosphere using artificial sources are discussed. (Author)