Hybrid fluid/kinetic modeling of Pluto’s escaping atmosphere

Hybrid fluid/kinetic modeling of Pluto’s escaping atmosphere

The Dynamics of a Rapidly Escaping Atmosphere: Applications to the Evolution of Earth and Venus

A simple, idealized model for the rapid escape of a hydrogen thermosphere provides some quantitative estimates for the energy-limited flux of escaping particles. The model assumes that the atmosphere is "tightly bound" by the gravitational field at lower altitudes, that diffusion through the lower atmosphere does not limit the flux, and that the main source of heating is solar euv. Rather low t...

Detection of Oxygen and Carbon in the Hydrodynamically Escaping Atmosphere of the Extrasolar Planet Hd209458b

Four transits of the planet orbiting the star HD209458 were observed with the STIS spectrograph on board HST. The wavelength domain (1180-1710Å) includes H i as well as C i, C ii, C iv, Nv, O i, S i, Si ii, Si iii and Si iv lines. During the transits, absorptions are detected in H i, O i and C ii (5±2%, 13±4.5% and 7.5±3.5%, respectively). No absorptions are detected for other lines. The 5% mea...

Radiative Transfer Modeling of the Martian Atmosphere

Introduction: Studies of the past and current climate and weather on Mars depend on accurate calculations of the radiative properties of the Martian atmosphere. Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc. (AER) is the source of the state-of-the-science radia-tive transfer codes for terrestrial applications [1] and these models are continuously updated and validated [2]. Recently, they have bee...

Mesoscale Modeling Of The Atmosphere And Aerosols

The long-term goal is to extend our predictive skill for mesoscale meteorology and to use that meteorology to improve prediction for the transport of aerosols and gases. We recognize the need of the Navy to have predictions of mesoscale weather for operations, of tropospheric aerosol conditions for both operations and weapons systems, and of Chemical and Biological Weapons (CBW) conditions for ...