Investigation of the structure and dynamics of the Venus and Mars upper atmospheres

Persons :

• Prof. dr.  GERARD Jean-Claude - Université de Liège (ULiège)
  Coordinator of the project
  Financed belgian partner
  Duration: 1/6/2006-31/5/2009
  

Description :

We plan to investigate the composition and dynamics of the upper atmosphere of Venus using various instruments on board Venus Express. SPICAV, ASPERA and VMC observations will be combined to understand the day to night side transfer of constituents, the distribution of hot O atoms and its consequence for nonthermal escape and auroral precipitation processes. SPICAM observations of the thermospheric dynamics will be compared to the Venus case.

Satellite(s) or flight opportunity(ies):

- Venus Express
- Mars Express


Field of research:

Space Sciences: Solar and Plasma Physics & Planetary Atmospheres