Venus nitric oxide nightglow mapping from SPICAV nadir observations.

in Icarus (2013)

Nitric oxide δ (190-240 nm) and γ (255-270 nm) emissions on the Venus nightside have been observed with Venus Express SPICAV instrument operated in the nadir mode. These ultraviolet emissions arise from ... [more ▼]

Nitric oxide δ (190-240 nm) and γ (255-270 nm) emissions on the Venus nightside have been observed with Venus Express SPICAV instrument operated in the nadir mode. These ultraviolet emissions arise from the desexcitation of excited NO molecules created by radiative recombination of O(3P) and N(4S) atoms. These atoms are produced on the dayside of the planet through photodissociation of CO2 and N2 molecules and are transported to the nightside by the global subsolar to antisolar circulation. We analyze a wide dataset of nadir observations obtained since 2006 to determine the statistical distribution of the NO nightglow and its variability. Individual observations show a great deal of variability and may exhibit multiple maxima along latitudinal cuts. We compare this global map with the results obtained during the Pioneer-Venus mission and with the recent O2(a1Δg) nightglow map. The NO airglow distribution shows a statistical bright region extending from 01:00 and 03:30 local time and 25°N to 10°S, very similar to the Pioneer result obtained 35 years earlier during maximum solar activity conditions. The shift from the antisolar point and the difference with the O2 airglow indicate that superrotating zonal winds are statistically weak near 97 km, but play an important role in the lower thermosphere. We compare these results with other evidence for superrotation in the thermosphere and point out possible sources of momentum transfer. [less ▲]

SPICAM dayglow measurements: a tool to retrieve CO2 vertical density profile and exospheric temperatures

Conference (2012, September)

We analyze the behavior of the CO2+ and CO Cameron ultraviolet dayglow in the atmosphere of Mars through a large dataset of dayside grazing limb observations performed by the Spectroscopy for ... [more ▼]

We analyze the behavior of the CO2+ and CO Cameron ultraviolet dayglow in the atmosphere of Mars through a large dataset of dayside grazing limb observations performed by the Spectroscopy for Investigation of Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Mars (SPICAM) on board the Mars Express spacecraft. Limb profiles are studied to retrieve the temperature of the Martian exosphere and its variability with season, latitude and solar activity. We use a one-dimensional chemical-diffusive model to retrieve the main features of the emissions and constrain the temperature and density vertical profiles of the main components of the Martian atmosphere. [less ▲]

Inversion of Venus NO nightglow limb profiles

Conference (2012, July)

The Venus nitric oxide nightglow vertical distribution : update, new features and modelling

Poster (2012, April)

Ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the delta (190-240 nm) and gamma (225-270 nm) bands of the nitric oxide (NO) molecule have been measured in the atmosphere of the Venus night side with the Spectroscopy for ... [more ▼]

Ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the delta (190-240 nm) and gamma (225-270 nm) bands of the nitric oxide (NO) molecule have been measured in the atmosphere of the Venus night side with the Spectroscopy for Investigation of Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Venus (SPICAV) instrument on board Venus Express (VEX). Excited NO molecules on the night side of the planet find their source in the radiative recombinaison of O(3P) and N(4S) atoms produced on the dayside by Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) solar photons that cause photodissociation of CO2 and N2 molecules. We analyse with an improved statistics the behaviour of the vertical emission profile of the NO nightglow. We also present a method used to retrieve and analyse the volume emission rate. We describe the dependence of the vertical distribution with latitude and local time and its variability. New features in the vertical distribution of the NO emission such as double peaks are also exhibited. Furthermore, we use a one-dimensional chemical-diffusive model to compare the major features of the calculated O2 1.27 microm and NO UV emissions profiles with those observed with SPICAV. [less ▲]

The Mars and Venus airglow : observations and excitation processes,

Conference (2011, April)

Les émissions aurorales nocturnes de Jupiter

Master's dissertation (2010)

Ce travail de fi n d'études est proposé dans le cadre de la deuxième année de Master en Sciences Spatiales du Département d'Astrophysique, Géophysique et Océanographie de l'Université de Liège. Dans un ... [more ▼]

Ce travail de fi n d'études est proposé dans le cadre de la deuxième année de Master en Sciences Spatiales du Département d'Astrophysique, Géophysique et Océanographie de l'Université de Liège. Dans un premier temps, des rappels concernant la planète Jupiter et le phénomène des aurores polaires qui y ont lieu seront effectués. Le but de ce travail est une première analyse d'un ensemble d'images provenant de l'instrument LORRI à bord de la sonde New Horizons de la NASA. Ces deux outils seront dès lors brièvement présentés. La partie suivante sera consacrée au traitement des images reçues de New Horizons et à leur analyse. En n, nous tirerons des conclusions sur le travail exploratoire réalisé et la pertinence de la base de données. [less ▲]

Les Emissions Aurorales Nocturnes de Jupiter

Book published by Editions Universitaires Europeennes (2010)