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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Modelling Atmospheric Scatterers Using Spacecraft Observations

This project report reviews the analysis of data from the Voyager encounter with Neptune and Triton, and the primary Galileo mission to Jupiter. The project included analysis of the images from Voyager of the limb images from Neptune and Triton. Also included in the project was analysis of the Images from Galileo of Venus' and Jupiter's limb. The project work on the latitude bands and temporal variations on Uranus using the images from Voyager is summarized. Also, work on information from the Galileo Probe's Nephelometer is also covered

Rages, Kathy A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Influence of aerosol scattering on atmospheric blurring of surface features

The influence of the shape of atmospheric scattering phase functions on blurring of surface detail in images acquired from space is investigated. The effects are characterized by computing atmospheric transfer functions and by solving the multidimensional equation of radiative transfer using a Fourier transform method. It is predicted that increased forward scattering enhances the detectability of atmospheric blurring near reflectance boundaries. Results for off-nadir viewing are also presented.

Diner, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Atmospheric model for correction of spacecraft data.

Description of a radiative transfer model which has been used to correct Apollo photographic imagery for degradation arising from atmospheric scattering. The model was tested using aircraft scanner data, and an extrapolation was then made to spacecraft altitudes. Using standard meteorological data for the region of interest, it is possible to determine transmittance, path radiance, and total radiance from calculations made with the multiple scattering atmospheric model. Simple algorithms are presented which allow potential users of spacecraft sensor data to correct imagery for the deleterious effects due to the scattering of radiation under clear or hazy atmospheric conditions.

Turner, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Polarization and scattering characteristics in the atmospheres of earth, Venus, and Jupiter

Our understanding of atmospheric scattering phenomena has increased through the combined developments of new electro-optical instrumentation, theoretical solutions for complex model atmospheres, and large computers enabling computation of such solutions. Earth satellites permit external, planetwide observations of our atmosphere, while spacecraft permit detailed measurements of the scattering by other planetary atmospheres. Some recent results are: elucidation of the effects of ozone absorption and high-altitude aerosol scattering on twilight colors and polarization; identification of a cloudbow on Venus and consequent deduction of the cloud particle shape, size distribution, and refractive index; and, the interpretation of Rayleigh scattering on Jupiter in terms of cloud-top topography.

Coffeen, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A simple method to compute the change in earth-atmosphere radiative balance due to a stratospheric aerosol layer

A computer code was developed in terms of a three-layer model for the earth-atmosphere system, using a two-stream approximation for the troposphere and stratosphere. The analysis was limited to variable atmosphere loading by solar radiation over an unperturbed section of the atmosphere. The scattering atmosphere above a Lambertian ground layer was considered in order to derive the planar albedo and the spherical albedo. Attention was given to the influence of the aerosol optical thickness in the stratosphere, the single scattering albedo and asymmetry factor, and the sublayer albedo. Calculations were performed of the zonal albedo and the planetary radiation balance, taking into account a stratospheric aerosol layer containing H2SO4 droplets and volcanic ash. The resulting ground temperature disturbance was computed using a Budyko (1969) climate model. Local decreases in the albedo in the summer were observed in high latitudes, implying a heating effect of the aerosol. An accompanying energy loss of 23-27 W/sq m was projected, which translates to surface temperature decreases of either 1.1 and 0.45 C, respectively, for background and volcanic aerosols.

Lenoble, J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Lidar clear atmosphere multiple scattering dependence on receiver range

The degree of multiple scattering encountered by nadir-directed lidar in clear atmosphere conditions was assessed by the Monte Carlo method based on a model of the vertical distribution of aerosol scattering in the atmosphere. The lowest 3 km of the atmosphere were regarded as containing 90% of the aerosol optical thickness, with the unity normalized value for the forward peak of the aerosol phase function being 4.38 at a 694.3 nm laser wavelength. Results were obtained for two lidar receiver heights for three receiver field of view (FOV) angular halfwidths. An increase in receiver height was determined to cause a significant increase in the amount of angular scattering of the lidar signal. A factor of 20 change in receiver height produced an order of magnitude change in the single to multiple scattering ratio.

Spinhirne, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Atmospheric Multiple Scattering Effects on GLAS Altimetry: Analysis of Expected Errors in Antarctic Altitude Measurements - Part 2

The altimetry bias in GLAS (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) or other laser altimeters resulting from atmospheric multiple scattering is studied in relationship to current knowledge of cloud properties over the Antarctic Plateau. Estimates of seasonal and interannual changes in the bias are presented. Results show the bias in altitude from multiple scattering in clouds would be a significant error source without correction. The selective use of low optical depth clouds or cloudfree observations, as well as improved analysis of the return pulse such as by the Gaussian method used here, are necessary to minimize the surface altitude errors. The magnitude of the bias is affected by variations in cloud height, cloud effective particle size and optical depth. Interannual variations in these properties as well as in cloud cover fraction could lead to significant year-to-year variations in the altitude bias. Although cloud-free observations reduce biases in surface elevation measurements from space, over Antarctica these may often include near-surface blowing snow, also a source of scattering-induced delay. With careful selection and analysis of data, laser altimetry specifications can be met.

Mahesh, Ashwin↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solving multiple scattering problems in planetary atmospheres

Multiple scattering problems, radiative transfer problems in planetary atmospheres within extended visible portion of the spectrum, are examined. The direct and inverse problems and the extinction coefficient are defined, along with other scattering characteristics. Albedos in semi-infinite and finite atmospheres are considered, as well as surface illumination, energy deposition, and polarization. The Eddington approximation figures prominently in the calculations. Precise numerical methods and analytical solutions are included.

Irvine, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

LASE validation experiment: preliminary processing of relative humidity from LASE derived water vapor in the middle to upper troposphere

Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) is the first fully engineered, autonomous airborne DIAL (Differentials Absorption Lidar) system to measure water vapor, aerosols, and clouds throughout the troposphere. This system uses a double-pulsed Ti:sapphire laser, which is pumped by a frequency-doubled flashlamp-pumped Nd: YAG laser, to transmit light in the 815 mn absorption band of water vapor. LASE operates by locking to a strong water vapor line and electronically tuning to any spectral position on the absorption line to choose the suitable absorption cross-section for optimum measurements over a range of concentrations in the atmosphere. During the LASE Validation Experiment, which was conducted over Wallops Island during September, 1995, LASE operated on either the strong water line for measurements in middle to upper troposphere, or on the weak water line for measurements made in the middle to lower troposphere including the boundary layer. Comparisons with water vapor measurements made by airborne dew point and frost point hygrometers, NASA/GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) Raman Lidar, and radiosondes showed the LASE water vapor mixing ratio measurements to have an accuracy of better than 6% or 0.01 g/kg, whichever is larger, throughout the troposphere. In addition to measuring water vapor mixing ratio profiles, LASE simultaneously measures aerosol backscattering profiles at the off-line wavelength near 815 nm from which atmospheric scattering ratio (ASR) profiles are calculated. ASR is defined as the ratio of total (aerosol + molecular) atmospheric scattering to molecular scattering. Assuming a region with very low aerosol loading can be identified, such as that typically found just below the tropopause, then the ASR can be determined. The ASR profiles are calculated by normalizing the scattering in the region containing enhanced aerosols to the expected scattering by the "clean" atmosphere at that altitude. Images of the total ASR clearly depict cloud regions, including multiple cloud layers, thin upper level cirrus, etc., throughout the troposphere. New data products that are being derived from the LASE aerosol and water measurements include: 1) aerosol extinction coefficient, 2) aerosol optical thickness, 3) precipitable water vapor, and 4) relative humidity (RH). These products can be compared with airborne in-situ, and ground and satellite remote sensing measurements,. This paper presents a preliminary examination of RH profiles in the middle to upper troposphere that are generated from LASE measured water vapor mixing ratio profiles coupled with rawinsonde profiles of temperature and pressure.

Brackett, Vincent G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Methods of satellite oceanography

The theoretical basis for remote sensing measurements of climate and ocean dynamics is examined. Consideration is given to: the absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere; scattering in the atmosphere; and satellite observations using visible light. Consideration is also given to: the theory of radio scatter from the sea; scatter of centimeter waves from the sea; and the theory of operation of synthetic aperture radars. Additional topics include: the coordinate systems of satellite orbits for oceanographic remote sensing applications; the operating features of the major U.S. satellite systems for viewing the ocean; and satellite altimetry.

Stewart, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Computer image processing: Geologic applications

Computer image processing of digital data was performed to support several geological studies. The specific goals were to: (1) relate the mineral content to the spectral reflectance of certain geologic materials, (2) determine the influence of environmental factors, such as atmosphere and vegetation, and (3) improve image processing techniques. For detection of spectral differences related to mineralogy, the technique of band ratioing was found to be the most useful. The influence of atmospheric scattering and methods to correct for the scattering were also studied. Two techniques were used to correct for atmospheric effects: (1) dark object subtraction, (2) normalization of use of ground spectral measurements. Of the two, the first technique proved to be the most successful for removing the effects of atmospheric scattering. A digital mosaic was produced from two side-lapping LANDSAT frames. The advantages were that the same enhancement algorithm can be applied to both frames, and there is no seam where the two images are joined.

Abrams, M. J.↗