Abstract

Comparisons are made between observations of spatial variations in the thermal emission from Venus obtained with ground-based telescopes and those from spacecraft. In particular, we concentrate on measurements of solar-related structure at low and mid-latitudes, limb-darkening, and on the high-contrast polar structure. We conclude that (1) the solar-related emission is predominantly wavenumber 2, although it contains a significant diurnal component; (2) the relative amplitudes of the semidiurnal and diurnal components vary with latitude; (3) thermally excited temperature waves or, alternatively, solar-driven vertical motions of the cloud top are better able to account for the magnitude of the solar-locked emission than brightness temperature contrasts resulting from variations in aerosol microphysical properties; (4) the equatorial limb-darkening shows the top of the main cloud to be diffuse and approximately uniformly mixed with the gas; (5) polar collars are persistent at least for several months but disappear on occasion; and (6) collars have been observed at both poles simultaneously, but whether simultaneous appearance is the exception or the rule is still in question.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.