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Ion Clusters and the Venus Ultraviolet Haze Layer

Nature Physical Science volume 235, pages 10–11 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

THE daytime ionosphere of Venus is observed between 100 and 500 km altitude and has a peak electron concentration of 5 × 105 cm−3 at 140 km (ref. 1). Below 200 km CO2+ is thought to be the principal ion2,3 unless oxygen is present. I suggest that at altitudes less than 130 km CO2+ · CO2 is an important ionic constituent of the Venus ionosphere. Below 100 km ion clustering processes combine with the low temperature at the mesopause to form coagulates giving rise to the ultraviolet haze layer which has frequently been observed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Planetary Atmospheres, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

    A. C. AIKIN

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  1. A. C. AIKIN
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AIKIN, A. Ion Clusters and the Venus Ultraviolet Haze Layer. Nature Physical Science 235, 10–11 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci235010a0

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