Aeronomy of the Venus Upper Atmosphere

DOI: 
10.1007/s11214-017-0422-0
Publication date: 
01/11/2017
Main author: 
Gérard, J. -C.
IAA authors: 
López-Valverde, M. A.
Authors: 
Gérard, J. -C.;Bougher, S. W.;López-Valverde, M. A.;Pätzold, M.;Drossart, P.;Piccioni, G.
Journal: 
Space Science Reviews
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
212
Pages: 
1617-1683
Abstract: 
We present aeronomical observations collected using remote sensing instruments on board Venus Express, complemented with ground-based observations and numerical modeling. They are mostly based on VIRTIS and SPICAV measurements of airglow obtained in the nadir mode and at the limb above 90 km. They complement our understanding of the behavior of Venus' upper atmosphere that was largely based on Pioneer Venus observations mostly performed over thirty years earlier. Following a summary of recent spectral data from the EUV to the infrared, we examine how these observations have improved our knowledge of the composition, thermal structure, dynamics and transport of the Venus upper atmosphere. We then synthesize progress in three-dimensional modeling of the upper atmosphere which is largely based on global mapping and observations of time variations of the nitric oxide and O<SUB>2</SUB> nightglow emissions. Processes controlling the escape flux of atoms to space are described. Results based on the VeRA radio propagation experiment are summarized and compared to ionospheric measurements collected during earlier space missions. Finally, we point out some unsolved and open questions generated by these recent datasets and model comparisons.
Database: 
ADS
SCOPUS
URL: 
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85032228108&doi=10.1007%2fs11214-017-0422-0&partnerID=40&md5=4f61ab51ede8fd5ef340e82efba90e08
ADS Bibcode: 
2017SSRv..212.1617G
Keywords: 
Venus;Aeronomy;Upper atmosphere;Airglow;Nightglow;Composition;Dynamics;Chemistry;Transport;Ultraviolet;Infrared;Visible