CONTROL ID: 1496244
TITLE: Recovery of Mars Ionospheric Electron Density Profiles Acquired by the Mariner 9 Radio Occultation Instrument
ABSTRACT BODY: The Mariner 9 radio occultation experiment acquired 118 profiles of dayside ionospheric electron density from 1971-2. Relative to the MGS dataset, which contains the only electron density profiles for Mars that are readily available to the public today, the Mariner 9 dataset has some unique characteristics. Profiles extend to 300-400 km, thereby probing the topside ionosphere better than the MGS profiles that typically terminate around 200 km. Profiles were acquired during the waning phase of a tremendous dust storm, when the ionospheric peak was 20-30 km higher than normal. Profiles are distributed globally, whereas MGS profiles are poleward of 60 degrees north latitude, and sample solar zenith angles as low as 47 degrees, whereas MGS was limited to 71 degrees and higher. We have digitized the Mariner 9 electron density profiles from their microfilm archive. Here we report on archiving plans for these profiles. Since there have been many scientific discoveries at Mars since the last studies of these Mariner 9 data, we also present a preliminary report on scientific analysis of these profiles.

CURRENT SECTION/FOCUS GROUP: SPA-Aeronomy
CURRENT SESSION: SA012. Solar System Aeronomy: Ionospheres, Thermospheres, Auroras, and Airglow
INDEX TERMS: [6225] PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS / Mars.
AUTHORS/INSTITUTIONS: N.R. Ferreri, P. Withers, S. Weiner, Astronomy, Boston University, Boston, MA;
SPONSOR NAME: Paul Withers
CONTACT (E-MAIL ONLY): withers@acs.bu.edu
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