The microwave spectra of planets

Abstract

This paper reviews our current knowledge of the spectra of planets, from the centimeter to the submillimeter range, both from an observational and a theoretical point of view. In the case of Venus, due to its very thick CO2 atmosphere, the spectrum is dominated by the pressure-induced CO2 absorption, with some other contributions from minor constituents (SO2,H2O). In the case of Mars, which has a very tenuous atmosphere, the microwave spectrum is composed of discrete narrow molecular lines of CO, H2O and their isotopes, superimposed over a continuum defined by the surface emissivity and temperature. The microwave spectra of the giant planets probe their tropospheres. They are dominated by collision-induced absorption, mostly due to H2-H2 and H2-He collisions, with, in the case of Jupiter and Saturn, additional features due to NH3 and PH3. For all cases, observed and synthetic spectra are described, and the various sources of uncertainty are discussed.