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Nephelometer (NEP)

NSSDC ID: 1989-084E-05
Mission Name: Galileo Probe
Principal Investigator: Dr. Boris Ragent

Description

The objective of this investigation is to determine vertical extent, structure, and microphysical characteristics (particle size distribution, number density, and physical structure) of Jupiter's clouds over the range 0.1 to 10 bars. A single-wavelength, multiple-angle (5) scattering nephelometer, with a gallium-arsenide LED (9000 A) source and solid-state detectors is mounted on the Probe, with appropriate external viewing geometry. Deployment takes place after the heat shield is removed. The total mass is 1.8 kg and the total continuous power is 3.0 W.

Facts in Brief

Mass: 4.4 kg
Power (avg): 11.3 W
Bit rate (avg): 0.01 bps

Discipline

  • Planetary Science: Atmospheres

Additional Information

Questions or comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. Edwin V. Bell, II.

 

Personnel

Name Role Original Affiliation E-mail
Dr. Boris Ragent General Contact NASA Ames Research Center  
Prof. Jacques E. Blamont Co-Investigator CNRS, Service d'Aeronomie  
Dr. David S. Colburn Co-Investigator NASA Ames Research Center  
Dr. James B. Pollack Co-Investigator NASA Ames Research Center  
Dr. Gerald W. Grams Co-Investigator Georgia Institute of Technology  
Mr. Philip Avrin Co-Investigator Martin-Marietta Aerospace  

Selected References

Ragent, B., et al., Galileo probe nephelometer experiment, Space Sci. Rev., 60, No. 1/4, 179-201, May 1992.

Ragent, B., et al., Results of the Galileo probe nephelometer experiment, Science, 272, No. 5263, 854-856, May 1996.

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