Ultraviolet spectrometer experiment for the Voyager mission

• Published in: Space science reviews Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 183 - 205
• Main Authors: Broadfoot, A L, Sandel, B R, Shemansky, D E, Atreya, S K, Donahue, T M, Moos, H W, Bertaux, J L, BLAMONT, J E, Ajello, J M, Strobel, D F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Verlag 01.11.1977
• Subjects: Astrophysics; Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysic; Sciences of the Universe
• ISSN: 0038-6308; 1572-9672
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00200850

An objective grating spectrometer covering the wavelength range of 500 to 1700 A with a 10-A resolution is employed for the Voyager ultraviolet spectrometer experiment. In determining the composition and structure of the atmospheres of Saturn, Jupiter and several satellites, the ultraviolet spectrometer will rely on airglow mode observations to measure radiation from the atmospheres due to resonant scattering of solar flux, and the occultation mode for assessments of the atmospheric extinction of solar or stellar radiation as the spacecraft enters shadow zones. Since it is capable of prolonged stellar observations in the 500 to 1000 A wavelength range, the spectrometer is expected to make important contributions to exploratory studies of UV sources.