Strong Variability of the Modeled Venus NO Nightglow

IF 4 1区地球科学 Q1 GEOCHEMISTRY & GEOPHYSICS

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets Pub Date : 2026-04-13 DOI:10.1029/2025JE009316

N. Streel, F. Lefèvre, A. Martinez, A. Määttänen, A. Stolzenbach, S. Lebonnois, J. C. Gérard, L. Soret

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Abstract

The ultraviolet nightglow of nitric oxide (NO) on Venus offers a unique window into the dynamics and chemistry of its upper atmosphere. We present three-dimensional simulations of Venus' NO nightglow using a ground-to-thermosphere model, revealing a strong, short-timescale variability consistent with observations. The Venus Planetary Climate Model accurately reproduces the altitude of peak emission at 115 km, matching SPICAV data, and shows an average peak brightness of 53 ± 33 kR, only 5% below the observed values. Crucially, the observed variability and morphology of the NO emission are tightly linked to atmospheric dynamics; its maxima strongly correlate with horizontal wind convergence, leading to localized subsidence. This downward transport is essential for delivering nitrogen atoms to fuel the nightglow, making it a critical tracer for understanding Venus's complex atmospheric circulation. Our findings underscore the importance of the NO nightglow as a powerful diagnostic for the solar-to-antisolar circulation on Venus.

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模拟金星夜光的强变异性

金星上一氧化氮（NO）的紫外线夜光为研究其上层大气的动力学和化学提供了一个独特的窗口。我们利用地面到热层模型对金星NO夜光进行了三维模拟，揭示了与观测结果一致的强烈的短时间尺度变异性。金星行星气候模式准确地再现了115 km处的峰值发射高度，与SPICAV数据相匹配，显示平均峰值亮度为53±33 kR，仅比观测值低5%。至关重要的是，观测到的NO排放变异性和形态与大气动力学密切相关；其最大值与水平风辐合密切相关，导致局部沉降。这种向下的运输对于运送氮原子来为夜光提供燃料至关重要，使其成为了解金星复杂大气环流的关键示踪剂。我们的发现强调了NO夜光作为金星太阳-反太阳循环的有力诊断的重要性。

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来源期刊

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets Earth and Planetary Sciences-Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

CiteScore

8.00

自引率

27.10%

发文量

254

期刊介绍： The Journal of Geophysical Research Planets is dedicated to the publication of new and original research in the broad field of planetary science. Manuscripts concerning planetary geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheres, and dynamics are appropriate for the journal when they increase knowledge about the processes that affect Solar System objects. Manuscripts concerning other planetary systems, exoplanets or Earth are welcome when presented in a comparative planetology perspective. Studies in the field of astrobiology will be considered when they have immediate consequences for the interpretation of planetary data. JGR: Planets does not publish manuscripts that deal with future missions and instrumentation, nor those that are primarily of an engineering interest. Instrument, calibration or data processing papers may be appropriate for the journal, but only when accompanied by scientific analysis and interpretation that increases understanding of the studied object. A manuscript that describes a new method or technique would be acceptable for JGR: Planets if it contained new and relevant scientific results obtained using the method. Review articles are generally not appropriate for JGR: Planets, but they may be considered if they form an integral part of a special issue.