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Vol 50, No 5 (2016)

Article

Turbulence, superrotation, and general circulation models of the atmosphere of Venus

Izakov M.N.

Abstract

The data obtained in space-borne measurements and the findings of turbulence theory show that turbulence, of both small and large scales, has a decisive influence on the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere of Venus. The small-scale turbulence generates anomalous convection, while large-scale turbulence induces the return spectral flux of energy that is the main element of the superrotation mechanism in the atmosphere. Ways for improving the general circulation model of the atmosphere of Venus are proposed.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):301-315
pages 301-315 views

An improved model of radiative transfer for the NLTE problem in the NIR bands of CO2 and CO molecules in the daytime atmosphere of Mars. 1. Input data and calculation method

Ogibalov V.P., Shved G.M.

Abstract

Advances in attacking the problem of radiative transfer in the near infrared (NIR) bands of CO2 and CO under nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) conditions depend on the accuracy of taking into account the radiation processes and inelastic collisions of CO2 and CO molecules. The focus of the paper is to substantially improve the physical model of the problem and update the calculation method. It is the first time the surface albedo is introduced into the problem of the molecular emission under NLTE conditions. The values of the rate constants for inelastic molecular collisions and their temperature dependences have been radically updated. In some cases, since laboratory measurements of these constants are lacking, different versions are provided for them. The relative abundance of CO2 and CO isotopologues is based on the ratios of isotope abundances for the elements C and O obtained from the measurements in the atmosphere of Mars. The intensity of extraterrestrial solar NIR radiation is specified on the base of the high-accuracy ground-based measurements. In the method for calculating the populations of vibrational states, we pioneer in completely taking into account the overlapping of spectral lines in the NIR bands of CO2 and CO.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):316-328
pages 316-328 views

On spectral dependence of polarization of asteroids

Lupishko D.F., Shkuratov Y.G.

Abstract

From the analysis of all of the data available on the spectral dependence of polarization of light reflected by asteroids, it has been shown that the slope of the spectral dependence of polarization of asteroids changes its sign, when moving from the negative branch of the phase curve of polarization to the positive one. This effect also manifests itself in the spectral behavior of polarization of the Moon and, probably, in the polarization of the other atmosphereless bodies. From the analysis of a population of asteroids of different types, a weak correlation between the spectral slopes of the polarization degree and the albedo has been found.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):329-336
pages 329-336 views

Asteroids in the Eccentrids meteor system

Terentjeva A.K., Barabanov S.I.

Abstract

Among 11 673 of near-Earth objects (NEOs), 52 asteroids are identified, which, together with the Eccentrids meteor system, comprise a single population of small bodies of the Solar System with the smallest orbits of high eccentricity. Some features of this unique system of bodies are discussed in this paper. The distribution of perihelion longitudes is studied for the given group of asteroids and compared to that of the Aten asteroids, which are the most similar to the Eccentrids. The dependence is obtained of the character of perihelion longitude distribution on the eccentricities of the NEO orbits. Eight asteroid stream of the Eccentrids are found. The Eccentrids asteroids approaching the Earth’s orbit along its whole length in their aphelia can pose a certain hazard for the Earth.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):337-343
pages 337-343 views

Observations of the Galilean moons of Jupiter in 2013–2015 at Pulkovo

Narizhnaya N.V.

Abstract

Observational results are presented for Jupiter and its Galilean moons from the Normal Astrograph at Pulkovo Observatory in 2013–2015. The following data are obtained: 154 positions of the Galilean satellites and 47 calculated positions of Jupiter in the system of the UCAC4 (ICRS, J2000.0) catalogue; the differential coordinates of the satellites relative to one another are determined. The mean errors of the satellites’ normal places in right ascension and declination over the entire observational period are, respectively: εα = 0.0065″ and εδ = 0.0068″, and their standard deviations are σα = 0.0804″ and σδ = 0.0845″. The equatorial coordinates are compared with planetary and satellite motion theories. The average (O–C) residuals in the two coordinates relative to the motion theories are 0.05″ or less. The best agreement with the observations is achieved by a combination of the EPM2011m and V. Lainey-V.2.0|V1.1 motion theories; the average (O–C) residuals are 0.03″ or less. The (O–C) residuals for the features of the positions of Io and Ganymede are comparable with measurement errors. Jupiter’s positions calculated from the observations of the satellites and their theoretical jovicentric coordinates are in good agreement with the motion theories. The (О–С) residuals for Jupiter’s coordinates are, on average, 0.027″ and–0.025″ in the two coordinates.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):344-351
pages 344-351 views

A technique for processing of planetary images with heterogeneous characteristics for estimating geodetic parameters of celestial bodies with the example of Ganymede

Zubarev A.E., Nadezhdina I.E., Brusnikin E.S., Karachevtseva I.P., Oberst J.

Abstract

The new technique for generation of coordinate control point networks based on photogrammetric processing of heterogeneous planetary images (obtained at different time, scale, with different illumination or oblique view) is developed. The technique is verified with the example for processing the heterogeneous information obtained by remote sensing of Ganymede by the spacecraft Voyager-1, -2 and Galileo. Using this technique the first 3D control point network for Ganymede is formed: the error of the altitude coordinates obtained as a result of adjustment is less than 5 km. The new control point network makes it possible to obtain basic geodesic parameters of the body (axes size) and to estimate forced librations. On the basis of the control point network, digital terrain models (DTMs) with different resolutions are generated and used for mapping the surface of Ganymede with different levels of detail (Zubarev et al., 2015b).

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):352-360
pages 352-360 views

On the accuracy of lunar ephemerides using the data provided by the future Russian lunar laser ranging system

Vasilyev M.V., Yagudina E.I., Grishin E.A., Ivlev O.A., Grechukhin I.A.

Abstract

The potential effect of the future Russian lunar laser ranging system (LLRS) on the accuracy of lunar ephemerides is discussed. In addition to the LLRS in Altai, several other observatories suitable for the LLRS installation are considered. The variation of accuracy of lunar ephemerides in the process of commissioning of new LLRS stations is estimated by mathematical modeling. It is demonstrated that the error in the determination of certain lunar ephemeris parameters may be reduced by up to 16% after seven years of operation of the Altai LLRS with a nearly optimal observational program.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):361-367
pages 361-367 views

Approximate analytic method for high-apogee twelve-hour orbits of artificial Earth’s satellites

Vashkovyaka M.A., Zaslavskii G.S.

Abstract

We propose an approach to the study of the evolution of high-apogee twelve-hour orbits of artificial Earth’s satellites. We describe parameters of the motion model used for the artificial Earth’s satellite such that the principal gravitational perturbations of the Moon and Sun, nonsphericity of the Earth, and perturbations from the light pressure force are approximately taken into account. To solve the system of averaged equations describing the evolution of the orbit parameters of an artificial satellite, we use both numeric and analytic methods. To select initial parameters of the twelve-hour orbit, we assume that the path of the satellite along the surface of the Earth is stable. Results obtained by the analytic method and by the numerical integration of the evolving system are compared. For intervals of several years, we obtain estimates of oscillation periods and amplitudes for orbital elements. To verify the results and estimate the precision of the method, we use the numerical integration of rigorous (not averaged) equations of motion of the artificial satellite: they take into account forces acting on the satellite substantially more completely and precisely. The described method can be applied not only to the investigation of orbit evolutions of artificial satellites of the Earth; it can be applied to the investigation of the orbit evolution for other planets of the Solar system provided that the corresponding research problem will arise in the future and the considered special class of resonance orbits of satellites will be used for that purpose.

Solar System Research. 2016;50(5):368-377
pages 368-377 views