Intensity and polarization line profiles in a semi-infinite Rayleigh-scattering planetary atmosphere. II. Variations of equivalent width over the disk

Abstract

The study of the variation of equivalent width in a Rayleighscattering planetary atmosphere along the intensity equator and along the mirror meridian on whichμ =μ 0 shows that the equivalent widths decrease monotonically towards the poles, the limb and the terminator with the following characteristics: (i) the weakest lines exhibit the maximum change; (ii) theI e r component shows more change than theI e r component; (iii) the decrease towards the limb or the terminator is not as sharp as that towards the poles; (iv)I e r component shows more decrease towards the limb whileI e r component shows more decrease towards the terminator; and (v) the relationW (μ, φ;μ 0,φ 0)= W (μ 0,φ 0;μ, φ) holds for the total intensity. These results are qualitatively in agreement with the observations of absorption bands in the spectra of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn.