Abstract
Measurements of the absorptions in the Venus atmosphere by (C-12)O and (C-13)O in the J = 1-2 microwave, rotational transitions are reported. Radiative transfer models were fitted to the spectra in order to estimate the isotopic ratio (C-12)O/(C-13)O = 185. Based on an extensive error analysis it is suggested that the standard deviation of this value is + or - 69. This result applies to the mesosphere of Venus, i.e., from about 80 to 110 km. Values of the (C-12)O/(C-13)O ratio measured deeper in the Venus atmosphere are closer to the terrestrial value of 89. Several possible, qualitative mechanisms to explain the higher value of (C-12)O/(C-13)O found for the nightside mesosphere of Venus are offered.
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