Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Belton, M. J. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Belton, M. J. S..

45 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Ultraviolet observations of Venus from Mariner 10 - Preliminary results

An objective grating spectrometer on Mariner 10 has measured airglow in the wavelength range 200 to 1700 angstroms. The data reveal the presence of significant concentrations of hydrogen, helium, carbon, and oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere of Venus. A preliminary analysis of the hydrogen data indicates an exospheric temperature of 400 K. There is evidence for intense airglow emission at wavelengths longward of 1350 angstroms; the nature of this emission is unclear, but the radiation is spatially extensive and detectable on both day and night sides of the planet.

Broadfoot, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Television observations of Mercury by Mariner 10

The morphology and optical properties of the surface of Mercury resemble that of the moon in remarkable detail, recording a very similar sequence of events; chemical and mineralogical similarity of the outer layers is implied. Mercury is probably a differentiated planet with an iron-rich core. Differentiation is inferred to have occurred very early. No evidence of atmospheric modification of any landform is found. Large-scale scarps and ridges unlike lunar or Martian features may reflect a unique period of planetary compression near the end of heavy bombardment, perhaps related to contraction of the core.

Murray, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Limb brightening on Uranus - A prediction.

Intensity variation across Uranus disk during limb darkening-brightening cycles observations to test cloud absence theory, predicting limb brightening in methane bands

Belton, M. J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Grand Tour outer planet missions definition phase. Part 2: Minutes of meetings and official correspondence

A variety of imaging systems proposed for use aboard the Outer Planet Grand Tour Explorer are discussed and evaluated in terms of optimal resolution capability and efficient time utilization. It is pointed out that the planetary and satellite alignments at the time of encounter dictate a high degree of adaptability and versatility in order to provide sufficient image enhancement over earth-based techniques. Data compression methods are also evaluated according to the same criteria.

Belton, M. J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Imaging of Mercury and Venus from a flyby.

Study of an imaging experiment planned for the 1973 Mariner Venus/Mercury flyby mission. Scientific objectives are presented together with mission constraints, analysis of alternative systems, and the rationale for the final choice. The final selection was a vidicon camera quite similar to that used for Mariner Mars 1971, but with the capability of real time transmission during the Venus and Mercury flybys. Systematic high resolution UV photography of Venus is planned after encounter in an attempt to understand the nature of the mysterious UV markings and their apparent 4- to 5-day rotation period.

Murray, B. C.↗