[en] We analyze the morphology of the ultraviolet nightglow in the Martian upper atmosphere through Nitric Oxide (NO) δ and γ bands emissions observed by the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft. The seasonal dynamics of the Martian thermosphere-mesosphere can be constrained based on the distribution of these emissions. We show evidence for local (emission streaks and splotches) and global (longitudinal and seasonal) variability in brightness of the emission and provide quantitative comparisons to GCM simulations.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Stiepen, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Labo de physique atmosphérique et planétaire (LPAP)
Jain, S. K.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Schneider, N. M.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Milby, Z.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Deighan, J. I.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Gonzàlez-Galindo, F.; Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia, CSIC, Granada, Spain
Gérard, Jean-Claude ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO)
Forget, F.; Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD), Paris, France
Bougher, Stephen W.; Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Stewart, A. I. F.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Royer, E.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Stevens, M. H.; Space Science Division, Naval Research Laboratory
Evans, J. S.; Computational Physics, Inc., Springfield, Virginia, USA
Chaffin, M. S.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Crismani, M.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
McClintock, W. E.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Clarke, J. T.; Center for Space Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
Holsclaw, G. W.; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, USA
Montmessin, F.; LATMOS/IPSL, Guyancourt, France
Lo, D. Y.; Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA)
