Title:  Millimeter-Wavelength Remote Sensing of the Atmospheric Structure and Composition of Venus

Committee:

Dr. Paul Steffes, ECE, Chair , Advisor

Dr. Morris Cohen, ECE

Dr. Gregory Durgin, ECE

Dr. Waymond Scott, ECE

Dr. Britney Schmidt, EAS

Abstract:

Microwave radiometric observations and radio occultations are capable of providing insight into the properties of the Venus atmosphere within and below layers of clouds which cover the entire planet. To interpret such observations, accurate models for the absorption of the atmospheric constituents of Venus are necessary. The objective of this research has been to further understanding of the millimeter-wavelength spectrum of Venus. Laboratory measurements have been made of the opacity of H2SO4 vapor under simulated conditions of the lower atmosphere of Venus. The results of these measurements and prior laboratory studies have been used to derive a model for H2SO4 vapor opacity valid at frequencies below 150 GHz. This model is incorporated into a microwave radiative transfer model of the Venus atmosphere, and low-noise images of Venus have also been developed from observations made using ground-base radio telescopes.