Venus’s Atmospheric Composition

November 9, 2023

Venus is unique in the solar system for its slow rotation, with a day on Venus lasting as long as 243 Earth days. This slow spin affects various aspects of its atmospheric behavior and composition.

Production of Atomic Oxygen

On Venus, atomic oxygen is a crucial component of the upper atmosphere, generated on the sunlit side by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. This atomic oxygen is then carried to the planet’s dark side.

Although atomic oxygen plays a vital role in Venus’s atmospheric photochemistry and energy dynamics, its presence on the dayside has not been directly observed until recently.

New Insights from SOFIA

Researchers utilized the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (upGREAT) on NASA’s SOFIA aircraft to investigate 17 different spots on Venus’s day and night sides. These observations occurred on November 10, 11, and 13, 2021.

Findings on Atomic Oxygen Distribution

Their research revealed atomic oxygen across all points examined, predominantly at altitudes near 100 km. They recorded variations in density, with the highest on the dayside.

Temperature Measurements

The team estimated the average Venusian brightness temperature at about 246 K, situated around 65-70 km altitude, just over the cloud layer. The atomic oxygen temperature was approximately 156 K during the day and around 115 K at night, indicating an altitude of about 100 km.

Looking Ahead

Further observations will provide deeper insights into Venus’s atmospheric conditions, aiding upcoming missions like NASA’s DAVINCI and ESA’s EnVision. These findings will also contribute to a better understanding of the stark differences between the atmospheres of Venus and Earth.

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