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Eshleman, V. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Eshleman, V. R..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Galileo radio science investigations

Galileo radio-propagation experiments are based on measurements of absolute and differential propagation time delay, differential phase delay, Doppler shift, signal strength, and polarization. These measurements can be used to study: the atmospheric and ionospheric structure, constituents, and dynamics of Jupiter; the magnetic field of Jupiter; the diameter of Io, its ionospheric structure, and the distribution of plasma in the Io torus; the diameters of the other Galilean satellites, certain properties of their surfaces, and possibly their atmospheres and ionospheres; and the plasma dynamics and magnetic field of the solar corona. The spacecraft system provides linear rather than circular polarization on the S-band downlink signal, the capability to receive X-band uplink signals, and a differential downlink ranging mode. A highly-stable, dual-frequency, spacecraft radio system is developed that is suitable for simultaneous measurements of all the parameters normally attributed to radio waves.

Howard, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The atmosphere of Neptune - Results of radio occultation measurements with the Voyager 2 spacecraft

This paper presents the vertical temperature and composition profiles of Neptune's troposphere and stratosphere, covering an altitude of 250 km, obtained from radio tracking data that were acquired during Voyager-2's occultation by Neptune, which began near 62 deg N planetographic latitude and ended near 45 deg S latitude. In the computations, the He/H2 abundance ratio 15/85 was adapted, which is consistent with solar abundance estimates and with recent results from Uranus. It was assumed that aerosols and heavier gases such as CH4, NH3, H2S, and H2O have a negligible effect on the microwave refractivity above the 0.5 bar pressure level.

Lindal, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The atmosphere of Uranus - Results of radio occultation measurements with Voyager 2

The Uranian atmosphere is investigated on the basis of S-band and X-band occultation observations (including measurements of Doppler frequency perturbations) obtained during the Voyager 2 encounter with Uranus in January 1986. The data are presented in extensive tables and graphs and characterized in detail. The atmosphere is assumed to have an H2/He abundance ratio of about 85/15, but also to contain small amounts of CH4 at above-cloud relative humidity 30 percent, cloud-base relative humidity 78 percent, and below-cloud mixing ratio 2.3 percent by number density. Other parameters estimated include magnetic-field rotation period 17.24 h, 1-bar equatorial radius 25,559 + or - 4 km, polar radius 24,973 + or - 20 km, equatorial acceleration of gravity 8.69 + or - 0.01 m/sec sq, and atmospheric temperature 76 + or - 2 K (assuming 85 + or - 3 percent H2).

Lindal, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Voyager 2 radio science observations of the Uranian system Atmosphere, rings, and satellites

The results of preliminary analyses of radio occultation data obtained by Voyager 2 as it passed Uranus are described. The occultations took place between 2-7 deg S latitude and yielded atmospheric temperature profiles between pressure levels of 10-900 mbar, an altitude range of 100 km. The mole fractions of hydrogen and helium in the tropopause were estimated, in conjunction with IR data, to about 0.85 and 0.10-0.20, respectively. Radio signal intensity data indicated the presence of a cloud deck of CH4 ice at a pressure level of 1300 mbar and a temperature of 81 K, implying a CH4 mole fraction of 0.02 at very low altitudes. The ionosphere extended upward, in two levels, to more than 10,000 km altitude. The ring system was different than the one around Saturn and possessed cylindrical substructures. The radio data also permitted mass density estimates for the five major moons, i.e., about 1.40 gr/cu cm, a value which rules out cometary origins.

Tyler, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Mode decoupling during retrorefraction as an explanation for bizarre radar echoes from icy moons

The two concepts of mode decoupling and retrorefraction are combined to explain the strength, distribution, and other features of the radar echoes from Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. A decoupling of two characteristic modes of propagation appears to be a key to an understanding of the anomalous distribution of power among the polarized components of the echoes. Causes of the decoupling are proposed and their morphological implications are introduced.

Eshleman, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The atmosphere of Saturn - An analysis of the Voyager radio occultation measurements

The Voyager 1 and 2 probes' radio links were used to study both the northern and southern latitudes of Saturn during occultation by that planet, yielding electron number density profiles for the ionosphere, and gas refractivity, number density, pressure, temperature, and ammonia abundance data for the troposphere and stratosphere. From the vertical pressure profiles obtained at different latitudes, it is possible to determine the size and shape of Saturn's isobaric surfaces.

Lindal, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Saturn's rings - Voyager 1 radio occultation experiment results

The Voyager 1 encounter with Saturn in 1980 included the first radio occultation measurements of the ring system. Opacity of and scattering by Saturn's rings were measured at 3.6- and 13-cm wavelengths using transmissions from the spacecraft to the earth. Detailed models of ring structure have been derived from these data at radial resolutions as small as 1 km, depending on the radio opacity of the region probed. Inverse power-law-type distributions of ring particle sizes with indices of about 3 and upper size cutoffs near 5 m are in good agreement with the data, but parameters vary throughout the rings. Occultation measurements have also provided information on ring dynamics and have led to a more precise definition of Saturn's pole vector.

Simpson, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Entwined and parallel bundled orbits as alternative models for narrow planetary ringlets

Particle orbits can be bundled in two different ways to produce narrow, Uranus-type ringlets. The usual assumption is that they are packed in a parallel manner in a structure that is essentially only two-dimensional, but it is then difficult to explain the large numbers of particles per unit area of the ring plane that are inferred from the observations. The alternative of a bundle of entwined orbits produces a three-dimensional structure of potentially large projected areal density. A start has been made in identifying possible mechanisms for stabilizing these structures, but much remains to be done, particularly for the less-studied model of entwined orbits. The two models might be discriminated observationally by differences in the motion of the line of intersection of the orbital and equatorial planes, and by the predicted radial reversal (entwined) or nonreversal (parallel) of features in occultation signatures taken at certain longitudes.

Eshleman, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Is Titan wet or dry?

Titan's dense and cold nitrogen atmosphere contains a small amount of methane under conditions at least approaching those at which one or both constituents would condense. The possibility of methane and nitrogen rain clouds and global methane oceans has been discussed widely. From specific features of radio occultation and other Voyager results, however, it is concluded that nitrogen does not condense on Titan and that Titan has neither global methane oceans nor a global cloud of liquid methane droplets. Certain results indirectly support the conjecture that methane does not condense at any location. However, other considerations favor a methane ice haze high in the troposphere, and liquid and solid methane might exist on the surface and as low clouds at polar latitudes.

Eshleman, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The microwave opacity of Saturn's rings at wavelengths of 3.6 and 13 cm from Voyager 1 radio occultation

Information obtained about Saturn's rings through radio occultation observations with Voyager 1 is discussed. The experimental aspects are addressed, including the positional relationships and relative motions of the spacecraft, rings, and earth, the radio system, observables, microwave opacity, and diffraction. The data characteristics, reduction procedures, calibrations, and corrections are described, and results are presented for the opacity, complex extinction, and diffraction. Ring C is found to exhibit a gently undulating structure of normal opacity, except for several narrow imbedded ringlets. The normalized differential opacity indicates a substantial fraction of centimeter-size particles. In the Cassini division, the opacity appears to be nearly independent of wavelength. Ring A appears to be nearly homogeneous over much of its width, but with considerable thickening near its inner boundary with the Cassini division.

Tyler, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Particle size distributions in Saturn's rings from Voyager 1 radio occultation

Information on Saturn ring particle sizes obtained with the Voyager 1 ring occultation experiment is discussed. The theory underlying the determination of the particle size distribution is presented, including differential extinction and inversion of the scattered signal. Experimental observations and results for the observed spectra, differential cross sections, suprameter and sub- to suprameter size distributions are presented. The size and mass distributions both cut off sharply at about 4-5 m; the mass distribution peaks over the 3-4 m size range for four ring system features at 1.35, 1.51, 2.01, and 2.12 Saturn radii. A power-law type model is consistent with the data over a limited size range of 0.01 to 1 m. The fractional contribution of the suprameter particles to the microwave opacity for the four features appears to be about 1/3, 1/3, 2/3, and 1, respectively, and their cumulative surface mass per unit area are about 11, 16, 41, and 132 g/sq cm if the particles are solid water ice.

Marouf, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

W-shaped occultation signatures - Inference of entwined particle orbits in charged planetary ringlets

A model for the ringlets of Saturn is proposed where concentration of material near the inner and outer radial edges of the ringlets is a natural consequence of particles in entwined elliptical orbits, with the same particles alternately defining both edges. The existence of a collisionless state where particles fly along entwined paths in a compressed helical formation on and within a toroidal surface whose meridional cross section is a very thin ellipse is explained. The cancellation of strong oblateness perturbations by an extremely weak force normal to the orbit planes and directed primarily outward from the major axis of the meridional cross section of the torus is shown, and the possibility that electric repulsion of like-charged particles could provide the expansion force preventing cross-sectional collapse is examined. The model features a large stability domain within which orbital inclinations and arguments of periapse oscillate but do not progress. Features of the model that can be tested experimentally are mentioned.

Eshleman, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The atmosphere of Titan - An analysis of the Voyager 1 radio occultation measurements

The equatorial atmosphere of Titan was probed by means of two coherently related radio signals transmitted from Voyager 1 at 13.0 and 3.6 cm wavelengths during the November 12, 1980 occultation of the spacecraft by the Saturn satellite. An analysis of the differential dispersive frequency measurements did not reveal any ionization layers in the upper atmosphere of Titan. The gas refractivity data, which extend from the surface to about 200 km altitude, were interpreted in two different ways. In the first, it is assumed that N2 makes up virtually all of the atmosphere, with small amounts of CH4 and other hydrocarbons present. In the second interpretation of the refractivity data, it is assumed that the 3.5 km altitude level corresponds to the bottom of a CH4 cloud layer and that N2 and CH4 were perfectly mixed below this level.

Lindal, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Sulfuric acid vapor and other cloud-related gases in the Venus atmosphere - Abundances inferred from observed radio opacity

It is suggested that the absorbing characteristics of sulfuric acid vapor appear to reconcile what had been thought to be an inconsistency among measurements and deductions regarding the constituents of the Venus atmosphere and radio occultation, radar reflection, and radio emission measurements of its opacity. Laboratory measurements of sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are used to model relative contributions to opacity as a function of height in a way that is consistent with observations of the constituents and absorbing properties of the atmosphere. It is concluded that sulfuric acid vapor is likely to be the principal microwave absorber in the 30-50 km altitude range of the middle atmosphere of Venus.

Steffes, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Theory of radio occultation by Saturn's rings

The radio occultation technique, as applied to Saturn's rings, is developed as a new method for the study of the physical properties of planetary ring systems. The rings are treated as a Doppler-spread radar target composed of an ensemble of discrete scatterers. The mathematical formulation of the received signal as a random-phasor-sum process is carried out following a conventional radar theory approach, providing a convenient starting point for deriving coherent signal parameters. A classical result is rederived for the equivalent refractive index of the medium. The analysis is generalized to include ringlets of arbitrary width and it is shown that when the width is such that two adjacent rays are differentially perturbed in phase, ray bending that causes focusing of the coherent signal may result. The diffuse component is also treated in detail.

Marouf, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radio science with Voyager 2 at Saturn - Atmosphere and ionosphere and the masses of Mimas, Tethys, and Iapetus

Results of Voyager 2 radio occultation studies of the atmosphere and ionosphere of Saturn and radio tracking determinations of the masses of Mimas, Tethys, and Iapetus are presented. Measurement of received signal frequency for signals of 3.6 and 13 cm wavelength during Voyager occultation immersion at 36.5 deg N and emmersion at 31 deg S reveal atmospheric temperatures of 143 K at the 1.2 bar level, falling to 82 K at the tropopause at about 70 mbar and rising to about 140 K at the tropopause at about 70 mbar and rising to about 140 K at the 1-mbar pressure level in the stratosphere. Peak electron concentrations of 17,000 and 6400/cu cm are found in the predawn and late afternoon locations, respectively, with topside plasma scale heights of 260-1100 km and 1000 km. Direct measurements of the masses of Tethys and Iapetus yield values of 7.55 and 18.8 x 10 to the 20th kg respectively, and an implied mass of 0.455 x 10 to the 20 kg for Mimas. Results suggest that satellite density tends to decrease with increasing orbital radius, and imply that the intermediate-sized satellites of Saturn may represent objects with differing relative amounts of water, ammonia and methane ices. The apparent low density of Iapetus may then be explained by a large hydrocarbon content.

Tyler, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The atmosphere of Jupiter - An analysis of the Voyager radio occultation measurements

Coherently related S and X band signals of 2.3 and 8.4 GHz, respectively, which were transmitted from Voyagers 1 and 2 were used to probe the Jovian atmosphere. Height profiles of the gas refractivity, molecular number density, pressure, temperature, and microwave absorption in the troposphere and stratosphere were observed at latitudes ranging from 0 to 70 deg S. At 1000 mbar, the temperature was + or - 5 K and the lapse rate was equal to the adiabatic value of 2.1 K/km within the resolution of the measurements. The ammonia abundance in this region was 0.022 + or - 0.008%, which is in good agreement with values derived from cosmic abundance considerations. The tropopause at the 140 mbar level had a temperature of 110 K, which increased with increasing altitude, reaching 160 + or - 20 K in the 10 to 1 mbar region. Significant horizontal density variations were detected in the stratosphere, which implies a nonuniform temperature and aerosol distribution across the Jovian disk or across high- and low-pressure regions due to local atmospheric dynamics.

Lindal, G. F.↗