Abstract

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) thermospheric general circulation model for Venus (VTGCM) has been upgraded to better simulate night airglow distributions. Night airglow, at this time, is an effective means to investigate and understand the variability behind the subsolar-to-a... Show moreThe National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) thermospheric general circulation model for Venus (VTGCM) has been upgraded to better simulate night airglow distributions. Night airglow, at this time, is an effective means to investigate and understand the variability behind the subsolar-to-antisolar and superrotating zonal wind structure on Venus. The model is a three dimensional model that can calculate temperatures, zonal winds, meridional winds, vertical winds, and concentration of specific species. The VTGCM can also compute the O2-IR and NO-UV night airglow intensity distributions. These results can be compared to Pioneer Venus and, when available, Venus Express data sets. The most recent change is the models bottom boundary, which has been lowered and now rests at about 70 km. This upgrade insures that all possible dynamical influences that contribute to maintaining these airglow layers, and driving their variations, can be captured within the VTGCM domain. Modeling these airglows will provide valuable insight into the changing circulation of Venus' upper atmosphere and lead to a better understanding of the atmospheric dynamics of the planet. Show less