Engineering topics

Beebe, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Beebe, R..

12 records

NASA NTRS2011

PDS4: Developing the Next Generation Planetary Data System

The Planetary Data System (PDS) is in the midst of a major upgrade to its system. This upgrade is a critical modernization of the PDS as it prepares to support the future needs of both the mission and scientific community. It entails improvements to the software system and the data standards, capitalizing on newer, data system approaches. The upgrade is important not only for the purpose of capturing results from NASA planetary science missions, but also for improving standards and interoperability among international planetary science data archives. As the demands of the missions and science community increase, PDS is positioning itself to evolve and meet those demands.

Crichton, D.↗

NASA NTRS2007

International Planetary Data Alliance (IPDA) Information Model

This document is the third deliverable of the International Planetary Data Alliance (IPDA) Archive Data Standards Requirements Identification project. The goal of the project is to identify a subset of the standards currently in use by NASAs Planetary Data System (PDS) that are appropriate for internationalization. As shown in the highlighted sections of Figure 1, the focus of this project is the Information Model component of the Data Architecture Standards, namely the object models, a data dictionary, and a set of data formats.

information model↗

NASA NTRS1986

Seasonal north-south asymmetry in solar radiation at the top of Jupiter's atmosphere

A selected set of planetocentric latitudes is used in calculations of the seasonal solar radiation pattern incident on top of the Jovian atmosphere, thereby demonstrating the combined effect of solar distance and declination. Attention is given to hemispheric asymmetries in the Jovian atmosphere's average zonal winds and cloud system morphologies. Marked hemispheric asymmetries are noted in the cloud morphology and in the magnitude and latitudinal position of eastward and westward maxima in the average zonal winds, suggesting seasonal forcing on the order of magnitude presently considered. Supporting observations by Voyagers 1 and 2 are cited.

Beebe, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A proposal for adopting a standard coordinate system for defining atmospheric nomenclature for the giant planets

Although the albedo of specific belts and zones varies as a function of time, there is evidence that wind maxima may be fixed in latitude. Before considering a standard notation for wind jets, it is necessary to establish a coordinate system within which the nomenclature would be defined. Traditionally, the BAA has used planetographic latitudes; however, this system is based not only on an accurate determination of the polar diameter but also on the assumption that the equipotential surfaces can be represented by biaxial ellipsoids. The International Astronomical Union strives to adopt unambiguous nomenclature that will be universally acceptable. It is proposed that planetocentric coordinates be utilized and that a standardized value of the ratio of the polar diameter to the equatorial diameter be established for each planet to facilitate transformation into planetographic coordinates.

Beebe, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Voyager 2 in the Uranian system - Imaging science results

Details of the characteristics of the Uranian atmosphere and the surface features and projected formation processes of the Uranian moons are surveyed on the basis of 7000 images obtained by Voyager 2. Brightness distribution curves are provided for the CH4 Uranian atmosphere, and various anomalies, e.g., banding, that are apparent are discussed. Attention is given to the detectable cloud structure, circulation patterns and wind effects, noting that at certain latitudes the wind speeds exceed the planetary rotational velocity. The physical dimensions, orientations and compositions of the nine rings are described, along with the locations and sizes of the 10 shepherd satellites discovered between Miranda and Uranus. Finally, the large database accumulated on the visual characteristics of the five major satellites is examined in detail, particularly in relation to the orbits, origins, formation processes and surface features.

Smith, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The Possibility of Detection and Measurement of Cloud Structure in the Atmosphere of Uranus

Historical data concerning variability of surface brightness of the visible cloud deck are reviewed. The data do not rule out low contrast small cloud structures of the type measured in the Saturnian Voyager wind measurements. Convective models in which methane can condense suggest similar structure may be present at the level of the visible cloud deck in Uranus' atmosphere. Horizontal space and time scales derived from dynamical considerations lie within the accessible range of the wide and narrow angle Voyager cameras. Therefore, Voyager 2 may obtain significant dynamical information about the Uranian atmosphere.

Beebe, R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Planetary atmospheres

During the period from 1979 to 1982, Pioneer and Voyager missions to Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn combined with ongoing analysis and data collection from the Viking-Mars mission have contributed greatly to an understanding of planetary atmospheres. Research concerning the atmosphere of Venus is discussed, taking into account the atmospheric composition, the isotopic ratios of noble gases, data concerning temperature and pressure, information regarding various atmospheric layers, atmospheric density data, and models regarding the dynamical properties of Venus' atmosphere. Information concerning the atmosphere of Mars is also examined. Isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen are considered along with altitude profiles, diurnal heating and cooling, and thermal tides and their relationship to dust storms. Attention is given to the temperature structure of the Jovian atmosphere, the morphology of Jovian cloud features, features in the Saturnian atmosphere, information with respect to the atmosphere of Titan, the rotation rates of Uranus, masses and densities of Uranus and Neptune, and the identification of Pluto as a small icy body.

Beebe, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A new look at the Saturn system - The Voyager 2 images

Images of the Saturn system acquired by Voyager 2 in its encounter in August 1981 are presented and information gained from the imagery on the atmosphere, satellites, and rings of Saturn is discussed. The images have shown the Saturn atmosphere to contain persistent oval clouds similar to those of Jupiter, and small irregular features indicative of a pattern of zonal winds that is symmetric about the equator and appears to extend to great depths. The atmosphere of Titan is found to possess an upper haze layer above the main haze, a hemispherical brightness asymmetry, and a dark band in the north polar region. Other satellite observations included relatively high resolution coverage of Enceladus and Tethys, moderate resolution views of Hyperion and Iapetus, and the first observations of Phoebe, as well as views of the eight minor satellites associated with the orbits of Dione, Tethys and Mimas, and the F and A rings. Images of various ring structures were obtained, most notably the birth of a spoke and variable ringlet structures in the outer B ring. The observations may be used to deduce the collisional and thermal history of the rings and satellites.

Smith, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Encounter with Saturn - Voyager 1 imaging science results

As Voyager 1 flew through the Saturn system it returned photographs revealing many new and surprising characteristics of this complicated community of bodies. Saturn's atmosphere has numerous, low-contrast, discrete cloud features and a pattern of circulation significantly different from that of Jupiter. Titan is shrouded in a haze layer that varies in thickness and appearance. Among the icy satellites there is considerable variety in density, albedo, and surface morphology and substantial evidence for endogenic surface modification. Trends in density and crater characteristics are quite unlike those of the Galilean satellites. Small inner satellites, three of which were discovered in Voyager images, interact gravitationally with one another and with the ring particles in ways not observed elsewhere in the solar system. Saturn's broad A, B, and C rings contain hundreds of 'ringlets', and in the densest portion of the B ring there are numerous nonaxisymmetric features. The narrow F ring has three components which, in at least one instance, are kinked and crisscrossed. Two rings are observed beyond the F ring, and material is seen between the C ring and the planet.

Smith, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The Galilean satellites and Jupiter - Voyager 2 imaging science results

Continuous global observations of Jupiter were made by Voyager 2 for a period of 63 days. Voyager 2 provided images that both complement and supplement the Voyager 1 images. The combined Voyager 1 and 2 observations of Jupiter provide an almost continuous record, over a 6-month period, of the behavior of the Jovian atmosphere at a resolution far better than can be obtained from earth-based studies. The present report briefly describes the changes in the cloud morphologies and local atmospheric motions. On Io, changes are observed in eruptive activity, plume structure, and surface albedo patterns. Europa's surface retains little or no record of intense meteorite bombardment, but reveals a system of overlapping bright and dark linear features. Ganymede exhibits at least one unit of heavily cratered terrain on a surface that otherwise suggests widespread tectonism. Except for two large ringed basins, Callisto's entire surface is heavily cratered.

Smith, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Velocity variations of an equatorial plume throughout a Jovian year

Analysis of features in the Equatorial Zone of Jupiter has shown that the equatorial plume reported by Pioneer 10 has existed for an 11-yr interval. During this interval, the plume has shown an acceleration which can be interpreted as a constant component of 3 hundred-millionths m/sec-squared and a sinusoidal component which anticorrelates with the planetocentric declination of the sun and has an amplitude of -0.96 m/sec per degree change of planetocentric declination. The sinusoidal component has been interpreted in terms of solar heating. Throughout this interval of time, the Equatorial Zone has appeared abnormally dark and has contained many dark projections along the northern edge. When the plume approaches to within 25 to 30 deg of these features, they are deflected in the direction of motion of the plume and then dissipate or become obscured as the plume passes. After passage of the plume, normal features are again observed.

Reese, E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Photographic polarization measurements of Venus

A program for measuring polarization of Venus photographically to obtain high spatial resolution has been carried out. Average values of polarization of the disk are compared with those of Dollfus and Coffeen. Trends and errors in spatial mapping are discussed.

Beebe, R.↗