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At least 217 records · Page 12

Analysis of Raman scattered Ly-alpha emissions from the atmosphere of Uranus

A line at 1280 A, due to Raman scattering of solar Lyman alpha (Ly-alpha) in the atmosphere of Uranus, has been detected by the Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer. The measured intensity of 40 + or - 20 R implies that 200 R to 500 R of the measured 1500 R Ly-alpha intensity at the subsolar point is due to Rayleigh scattering of the solar line. The presence of Rayleigh and Raman scattering at 1216 A suggests that the Uranian atmosphere is largely devoid of absorbing hydrocarbons above the 0.5 mbar level. The most natural explanation of this depletion is very weak vertical mixing equivalent to an eddy coefficient on the order of 200 sq cm/sec between 0.5 mbar and 100 mbar.

Yelle, R. V.↗

Velocity and Temperature Measurements in High-speed Flows with Naturally Present Dust Particles Using Rayleigh and Mie Scattering

Dust particles and occasional moisture condensations are unavoidable reality of all wind tunnels. On the path to pursue a goal of velocity and temperature measurements in large transonic and supersonic wind tunnels we have created a tabletop, spectrally resolved, Rayleigh-Mie scattering setup around a small jet fed by ambient and lightly seeded air to determine the viability and accuracy of the technique. The other reality of a wind tunnel setup is the background scattering or the glare at laser frequency, which contaminates the Rayleigh-Mie scattered light. This is simulated by backgrounds with different reflectivity towards the collection optics. Light from a CW laser is delivered via an optical fiber and the scattered light is spectrally resolved using a stabilized Fabry-Perot interferometer, followed by imaging on an EMCCD camera. A model of the of the combined background glare, Mie scattering, and the Rayleigh spectrum was fitted to the camera image using maximum likelihood estimation. Since the background glare occurs at the known frequency of the incident light and the Mie scattering peak corresponds to the Doppler shift from the bulk velocity, both were easily identified, and provided a measure of flow velocity. Preliminary results show that the Rayleigh spectrum can also be resolved, which provides a measure of temperature. It is observed that a slight drift of the laser frequency during data collection affected fitting of the model function leading to larger error. A feedback loop-based stabilization system is on development to take advantage of slight tunability of the laser via a piezo-control. Preliminary results are presented in the abstract. More extensive data from a systematic survey will be presented in the final paper.

Rayleigh scattering↗

Modeling Spectral Degradation of MODIS and VIIRS Solar Diffusers

Solar diffusers (SDs) onboard the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua spacecraft and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on SNPP and NOAA-20 spacecraft have been used as the primary onboard radiometric calibrator for reflective solar bands and their spectral reflectance is known to degrade on-orbit. All of the solar diffusers on these instrument show faster degradation of reflectance in the 0.4 to 0.6 µm channels than the longer wavelength channels. The spectral degradation of these SDs is due to the surface roughness growth under the exposure to solar UV and energetic particle radiation in space. In this paper, the origin of SD degradation is modeled by the physics-based Surface Roughness-induced Rayleigh Scattering (SRRS) model. The longterm growths of surface roughness of the SD on these instruments are characterized to show the consistency of SD roughness growth rates between Terra/Aqua MODIS and SNPP/NOAA-20 VIIRS. There was coincidental flattening or reverse in the growth trend of the surface roughness for the Terra/Aqua MODIS and SNPP VIIRS SDs, which can be due to the space weather variation. The applicability of the SRRS model is demonstrated with the long term spectral reflectance data from independent spaceborne SDs.

Calibration↗

Surface Roughness-Induced Spectral Degradation of Multi-Spaceborne Solar Diffusers Due to Space Radiation Exposure

Solar diffusers (SDs) have often been used as the onboard calibrators for the radiometric calibration of reflective solar band imaging sensors. After being spaceborne, the reflectance of SDs is observed to degrade with spectral dependence due to exposure to solar UV and energetic particle radiation. Long-term spectral reflectance data of SDs onboard multiple LEO imaging sensors, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on SNPP, are analyzed. The reflectance of SDs on these three instruments degrades faster for the shorter wavelength (0.4-0.6 μm) bands than the longer wavelength bands. The Surface Roughness-induced Rayleigh Scattering (SRRS) model is applied to simulate the SD degradation on these instruments, and the growth of the surface roughness parameter of the SDs is derived. It is determined that the change of surface roughness scale length is ~tens of nanometers. To show the consistency of roughness growth rates among the SDs on Terra/Aqua MODIS and SNPP VIIRS instruments, the functional dependences of the growth rates are characterized according to the SD exposure time and the stage of surface roughness. It is also found that the flattening or reverse in the growth trend of the surface roughness for these three SDs occurred around the same interval between October 2013 and October 2015. The confirmation of the applicability of SRRS model with the long-term spectral reflectance data from three independent spaceborne SDs facilitates a better understanding of the origin and physical processes of the SD degradation.

Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)↗

Application of methane band-model parameters to the visible and near-infrared spectrum of Uranus

Laboratory band-model absorption coefficients of CH4 were used to calculate the Uranus spectrum from 5400 to 10,400 A. A good fit for both strong and weak bands for the Uranus spectrum over the entire wavelength interval was achieved; three atmospheric models were employed: (1) a reflecting layer model; (2) a homogeneous scattering layer model; and (3) a clear atmosphere sandwiched between two scattering layers. The spectrum for the reflecting layer model shows serious discrepancies but indicates that large amounts of CH4 are necessary to reproduce the Uranus spectrum. Both scattering models gave reasonably good fits; the homogeneous model requires a particle scattering albedo of at least 0.998 and an abundance per scattering mean free path of about 1 km-am. For the sandwich model, a continuum single scattering albedo of 0.995 was derived for the upper scattering layer, and the scattering optical depth variable wavelength was consistent with Rayleigh scattering.

Benner, D. C.↗

Interior radiances in optically deep absorbing media. 3: Scattering from Haze L

The interior radiances are calculated within an optically deep absorbing medium scattering according to the Haze L phase function. The dependence on the solar zenith angle, the single scattering albedo, and the optical depth within the medium is calculated by the matrix operator method. The development of the asymptotic angular distribution of the radiance in the diffusion region is illustrated through a number of examples; it depends only on the single scattering albedo and on the phase function for single scattering. The exact values of the radiance in the diffusion region are compared with values calculated from the approximate equations proposed by Van de Hulst. The variation of the radiance near the lower boundary of an optically thick medium is illustrated with examples. The attenuation length is calculated for various single scattering albedos and compared with the corresponding values for Rayleigh scattering. The ratio of the upward to the downward flux is found to be remarkably constant within the medium. The heating rate is calculated and found to have a maximum value at an optical depth of two within a Haze L layer when the sun is at the zenith.

Kattawar, G. W.↗

Interior radiances in optically deep absorbing media. III Scattering from Haze L

The interior radiances are calculated within an optically deep absorbing medium scattering according to the Haze L phase function. The dependence on the solar zenith angle, the single scattering albedo, and the optical depth within the medium is calculated by the matrix operator method. The development of the asymptotic angular distribution of the radiance in the diffusion region is illustrated through a number of examples; it depends only on the single scattering albedo and on the phase function for single scattering. The exact values of the radiance in the diffusion region are compared with values calculated from the approximate equations proposed by Van de Hulst. The variation of the radiance near the lower boundary of an optically thick medium is illustrated with examples. The attenuation length is calculated for various single scattering albedos and compared with the corresponding values for Rayleigh scattering. The ratio of the upward to the downward flux is found to be remarkably constant within the medium.

Kattawar, G. W.↗

Bistatic scatter from rain

An experimental investigation of bistatic scatter from rain was conducted, using a 143-km scatter path at frequencies of 4.5 and 7.7 GHz. The ratio of transmitted to received power (transmission loss) was measured for scattering angles ranging from 6 to 130 deg. Simultaneous weather radar observations were made at a frequency of 1.3 GHz. Transmission loss estimates for the bistatic scatter path were computed, using the weather radar data, the bistatic radar equation, and a model for the scattering cross section per unit volume of rain based upon Rayleigh scattering by an ensemble of water spheres. The measured and estimated transmission loss values were compared to test the use of the scattering model for the estimation of interference. The averaged ratio of measured-to-calculated transmission loss for the 4.5 GHz data is 1.2 plus or minus 0.4 dB. The averaged ratio for the 7.7 GHz data is -1.6 plus or minus 0.5 dB.

Crane, R. K.↗

Radiative transfer with partial frequency redistribution in inhomogeneous atmospheres - Application to the Jovian aurora

A direct finite difference numerical solution for the equation of radiative transfer by the Feautrier method is developed for use in planetary atmospheres. The procedure described here uses a plane-parallel atmosphere, and can treat partial frequency redistribution, inhomogeneity, external or internal sources, and various boundary conditions. Isotropic scattering is assumed, but in the case of no frequency redistribution, Rayleigh scattering can also be handled. A program utilizing this method is tested in a variety of situations against more powerful and elaborate methods. The case of the Lyman alpha aurora on Jupiter is then considered, where the effects of partial frequency redistribution are shown to be of great importance. New results for the detailed line profiles for Lyman alpha in the Jovian aurora are presented. The method is quite versatile, and should be especially useful in studying a wide range of problems related to auroral or dayglow emissions in planetary atmospheres.

Gladstone, G. R.↗

Optimal filtration of the atmospheric parameters profiles

The idea of optimal Marcovian filtration of fluctuating profiles from lidar signals is developed but as applied to a double-frequency sounding which allows the use of large cross sections of elastic scattering and correct separation of the contributions due to aerosol and Rayleigh scatterings from the total lidar return. The filtration efficiency is shown under different conditions of sounding using a computer model. The accuracy of restituted profiles (temperature, pressure, density) is determined by the elements of a posteriori matrix K. The results obtained allow the determination of the lidar power required for providing the necessary accuracy of restitution of the atmospheric parameter profiles at chosen wavelengths of sounding in the ultraviolet and visible range.

Zuev, V. E.↗

Optimal combining of ground-based sensors for the purpose of validating satellite-based rainfall estimates

Two problems related to radar rainfall estimation are described. The first part is a description of a preliminary data analysis for the purpose of statistical estimation of rainfall from multiple (radar and raingage) sensors. Raingage, radar, and joint radar-raingage estimation is described, and some results are given. Statistical parameters of rainfall spatial dependence are calculated and discussed in the context of optimal estimation. Quality control of radar data is also described. The second part describes radar scattering by ellipsoidal raindrops. An analytical solution is derived for the Rayleigh scattering regime. Single and volume scattering are presented. Comparison calculations with the known results for spheres and oblate spheroids are shown.

Krajewski, Witold F.↗

Scattering Properties of Needle-Like and plate-like Ice Spheroids with Moderate Size Parameters

We use the current advanced version of the T-matrix method to compute the optical cross sections, the asymmetry parameter of the phase function, and the scattering matrix elements of ice spheroids with aspect ratios up to 20 and surface-equivalent-sphere size parameters up to 12. We demonstrate that plate-like and needle-like particles with moderate size parameters possess unique scattering properties: their asymmetry parameters and phase functions are similar to those of surface-equivalent spheres, whereas all other elements of the scattering matrix are typical of particles much smaller than the wavelength (Rayleigh scatterers). This result may have important implications for optical particle sizing and remote sensing of the terrestrial and planetary atmospheres.

Zakharova, Nadia T.↗

A solar radiation model for use in climate studies

A solar radiation routine is developed for use in climate studies that includes absorption and scattering due to ozone, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, clouds, and aerosols. Rayleigh scattering is also included. Broadband parameterization is used to compute the absorption by water vapor in a clear atmosphere, and the k-distribution method is applied to compute fluxes in a scattering atmosphere. The reflectivity and transmissivity of a scattering layer are computed analytically using the delta-four-stream discrete-ordinate approximation. The two-stream adding method is then applied to compute fluxes for a composite of clear and scattering layers. Compared to the results of high spectral resolution and detailed multiple-scattering calculations, fluxes and heating rate are accurately computed to within a few percent. The high accuracy of the flux and heating-rate calculations is achieved with a reasonable amount of computing time. With the UV and visible region grouped into four bands, this solar radiation routine is useful not only for climate studies but also for studies on photolysis in the upper atmosphere and photosynthesis in the biosphere.

Chou, Ming-Dah↗

Numerical Results for Polarized Light Scattering in a Spherical Atmosphere

We report numerical results for polarized light reflection from the top of a Rayleigh scattering spherical atmosphere with height-dependent single scattering albedo over a dark surface. Michael Mishchenko considered this scenario back in the 1990’s, for a plane-parallel atmosphere of unit optical thickness (OT), for which radiance errors arising from neglecting polarization reaches their highest values. To further extend Mishchenko’s results, we consider a value of OT = 0.25, for which the effect of atmospheric curvature is pronounced. New results are generated using three state-of-the art radiative transfer (RT) codes. These are: the MYSTIC and MCSSA models, which simulate light scattering in a true- spherical atmosphere using Monte Carlo methods; and the discrete ordinate code VLIDORT, operating with a new multiple-scatter spherical correction designed to deliver reasonable approximations to spherical-medium scattering. In this work, we report results for both single and multiple scattering; this will help to support the validation of existing and future polarized spherical RT codes, especially those using approximative methods to deal with sphericity.

S Korkin↗

Neptune - Observations of the H2 quadrupole lines in the /4-0/ band

The first measurement of Neptune's quadrupole H2 lines is reported. The equivalent widths of the S(0) and S(1) lines of the (4-0) band are given along with the corresponding widths measured from comparison spectra of Uranus taken on the same nights. These are interpreted in terms of both an inhomogeneous atmosphere overlying a reflecting layer and a homogeneous, semi-infinite, scattering atmosphere. Only the scattering model proves to be consistent with Neptune's spectrum in this wavelength region. The H2 abundance along the scattering mean free path is found to be less than the value for Rayleigh scattering in pure H2. This result is interpreted in terms of the presence of H2, CH4, and at least one other gas, instead of the more conventional interpretation in terms of the presence of an aerosol mixed with H2. Weak features in the continuum were observed. Their widths and the strength of the H2 features indicate that H2 is more abundant than the sum of the remaining gases in these atmospheres.

Trafton, L.↗

Quantitative spectroscopy for the analysis of GOME data

Accurate analysis of the global ozone monitoring experiment (GOME) data to obtain atmospheric constituents requires reliable, traceable spectroscopic parameters for atmospheric absorption and scattering. Results are summarized for research that includes: the re-determination of Rayleigh scattering cross sections and phase functions for the 200 nm to 1000 nm range; the analysis of solar spectra to obtain a high-resolution reference spectrum with excellent absolute vacuum wavelength calibration; Ring effect cross sections and phase functions determined directly from accurate molecular parameters of N2 and O2; O2 A band line intensities and pressure broadening coefficients; and the analysis of absolute accuracies for ultraviolet and visible absorption cross sections of O3 and other trace species measurable by GOME.

Chance, K.↗

Measurements of OH(X2pi) in the stratosphere by high resolution UV spectroscopy

This paper reports the first results obtained using high spectral resolution imaging ultraviolet spectroscopy to observe multiple rotational lines of OH A2 Sigma-X2pi (0-0) band. A 9.2 A spectral segment from 3075.8 A to 3085.0 A is imaged at 0.08 A FWHM spectral resolution, allowing the simultaneous acquisition of six of the brightest OH resonance fluorescence emission lines. The high spectral resolution and low scattered light design of the instrument allows these lines to be detected above the Rayleigh scattered sunlight background. The technique permits remote sensing of stratospheric OH from a high altitude instrument. The instrument was flown to an altitude of 40 km on Aug. 25, 1983, and again on June 12, 1986, on scientific balloons from Palestine, TX. The OH profiles inverted from the limb scans made during these flights are reported here. These profiles represent the first measurements of the temporal variation of OH over an extended height range. The results demonstrate that the technique can be used to monitor OH from orbit.

Torr, D. G.↗