Space-Time Relationships in the UV Markings on Venus

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Abstract
Specially prepared sections of pictures taken with the Mariner 10 television cameras are composited to show the time development of UV markings at various locations on Venus. A second series of composite pictures shows the development of selected UV markings in a frame of reference which follows the apparent zonal motion. BY comparing these composites with individual TV pictures, we show that large-scale markings (∼1000 km) between ±45° latitude have lifetimes exceeding 4 days and move en masse with the apparent angular motion at the equator. Smaller scale markings (100−500 km) are found to have lifetimes in excess of 1.5 days but less than 4 days. The polar ring, bow-like waves, circumequatorial belts and cellular features all show rapid growth, modulation or propagation characteristics in the pictures. The long lifetime of large-scale markings permits us to interpret the time development pictures as spatial maps of the entire face of Venus at the time of Mariner 10 encounter. A single, dark, ho... Abstract Specially prepared sections of pictures taken with the Mariner 10 television cameras are composited to show the time development of UV markings at various locations on Venus. A second series of composite pictures shows the development of selected UV markings in a frame of reference which follows the apparent zonal motion. BY comparing these composites with individual TV pictures, we show that large-scale markings (∼1000 km) between ±45° latitude have lifetimes exceeding 4 days and move en masse with the apparent angular motion at the equator. Smaller scale markings (100−500 km) are found to have lifetimes in excess of 1.5 days but less than 4 days. The polar ring, bow-like waves, circumequatorial belts and cellular features all show rapid growth, modulation or propagation characteristics in the pictures. The long lifetime of large-scale markings permits us to interpret the time development pictures as spatial maps of the entire face of Venus at the time of Mariner 10 encounter. A single, dark, ho...

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