The Voyager infrared spectroscopy and radiometry investigation

• Published in: Space science reviews Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 129 - 157
• Main Authors: Hanel, R., Conrath, B., Gautier, D., Gierasch, P., Kumar, S., Kunde, V., Lowman, P., Maguire, W., Pearl, J., Pirraglia, J., Ponnamperuma, C., Samuelson, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.1977
• ISSN: 0038-6308; 1572-9672
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00200848

The IR investigation on Voyager uses two interferometers covering the spectral ranges 60-600 cm super(-) super(1) (17-170 mu m) and 1000-7000 cm super(-) super(1) (1.4-10 mu m), and a radiometer covering the range 8000-25,000 cm super(-) super(1) (0.4-1.2 mu m). Two spectral resolutions (approximately 6.5 and 2.0 cm super(-) super(1) ) are available for each of the interferometers. In the middle of the thermal channel (far IR interferometer), the noise level is equivalent to the signal from a target at 50 K; in the middle of the reflected sunlight channel (near IR interferometer), the noise level is equivalent to the signal from an object of albedo 0.2 at the distance of Uranus. For planets and satellites with substantial atmospheres, the data is used to investigate cloud and gas composition (including isotopic ratios), haze-scale height, atmospheric vertical thermal structure, local and planetary circulation and dynamics, and planetary energy balance. For satellites with tenuous atmospheres, data is gathered on surface and atmospheric composition, surface temperature and thermal properties, local and global phase functions, and surface structure. For Saturn's rings, the composition and radial structure, particle size and thermal characteristics are investigated. Comparative studies of the planets and their satellite systems are conducted.