Brief Description:
The model describes the neutral densities and temperature in the Venus
thermosphere in the altitude range 140 km to 250 km. It is based on Pioneer
Venus Orbiter (PVO) data from the Orbiter Neutral Mass Spectrometer (ONMS) and
on some density data from the entry probe. The model formulation relies on
modified Bates temperature profiles and the related diffusive equilibrium
density profiles. There are less than 15 coefficients per individual density
model.
Availability: (1) from NSSDC's Request Office on tape or diskette; (2) retrievable from NSSDC's anonymous FTP site.
NSSDC ID: MI-62A
References:
A. E. Hedin, H. B. Niemann, W. T. Kasprzak, and A. Seiff, Global Empirical
Model of the Venus Thermosphere, J. Geophys. Res. 88, 73, 1983.
Go to the Planetary Models index Go to the Space Physics Models page
NASA Official: Dr. Robert McGuire, Head of the Space Physics Data Facility