Anomalous features in thermal radiance maps of Venus

Abstract

Seventeen thermal radiance maps of Venus were recorded in a 26‐day interval near the 1977 conjunction. An average symmetrical two‐dimensional function was removed from the data. Features remain near the east and west limbs which correspond in part to previously reported solar‐related effects but there are important differences, and we give reasons for questioning the interpretation of some of the earlier data. We conclude that these features cannot be solely under solar control. Features are also found at both poles, just inside the region covered by the ultraviolet polar hood. These are not inconsistent with disturbances rotating rapidly around the planet. There is weak evidence for a 5‐day repetition in some features.

The character of the thermal emission from Venus

“…A bibliography of the previously published observations was given by Apt and Goody [1979b]. Since the time that list was prepared, a paper by Diner and Westphal [1978] has appeared discussing the synoptic observations during the 1975 conjunction reported by Diner [1978].…”