Ungar 1974

Ungar, S.G., 1974: Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 microwave occultation experiment. J. Geophys. Res., 79, 1969-1973.

As Pioneer 10 approaches the planet Jupiter, its trajectory will carry it behind the planet, as seen from the earth. The microwave telemetry signal from the spacecraft will then pass through the Jovian atmosphere on its way to the earth, and analysis of the effects of the atmosphere on the signal should yield information on the atmospheric structure. To help define the capabilities of this experiment and to aid the analysis of the real data, we have simulated the occultation experiment on a computer by using model Jovian atmospheres and a predicted trajectory. The results indicate that the useful depth of penetration of the microwave signal will be governed by ammonia absorption rather than superrefractivity. The experiment is apparently far more sensitive to variations in cloud top temperature than to variations in the hydrogen-helium ratio. Characteristic "flashes" in the attenuation record of the signal may yield information on the location of the top of the Jovian convective zone.

• Complete document is not available.

Citation Styles

Show: ACP, AGU, AMS, ApJ, JQSRT, Science style

Ungar, S.G.: Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 microwave occultation experiment, J. Geophys. Res., 79, 1969-1973, 1974.

Ungar, S.G. (1974), Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 microwave occultation experiment, J. Geophys. Res., 79, 1969-1973.

Ungar, S.G., 1974: Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 microwave occultation experiment. J. Geophys. Res., 79, 1969-1973.

Ungar, S.G. 1974, J. Geophys. Res., 79, 1969.

Ungar SG. Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 microwave occultation experiment, J Geophys Res 1974;79:1969-1973.

S.G. Ungar, J. Geophys. Res. 79, 1969-1973 (1974).