Methods for Interpreting Atmospheric Spectral Observations by Sun Sighting Through the Earth Limb

摘要

The methods for interpreting atmospheric spectral observations performed by the method of Sun occultation are reviewed. The methods based on measurements of absorption line areas are compared with each other from a theoretical viewpoint, then with concrete examples. Preference is given to an iterative method, which makes the final solution largely independent from the initial vertical profile. A method entirely based on the calculation of synthetic spectra is studied from a theoretical viewpoint. Examples of results are given from simulated observations. Conclusions are drawn, applicable to the experiment, to be performed on the first Spacelab payload.