- Original Caption Released with Image:
-
This figure shows the first ever atmospheric temperature profile measured
from the top of the Mars atmosphere all the way to the surface. It was made
using the combination of a temperature measurements derived from the Mars
Global Surveyor thermal emission spectrometer (lines) and temperature
measurements from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's miniature
thermal emission spectrometer instrument (dots). The orbiter's instrument
can measure the temperature downward from the top of the atmosphere, but
cannot see accurately all the way to the ground. From its position on the
martian surface, the rover's instrument can measure the temperature looking
upward, but can only see to about 6 kilometers (4 miles) high. The region
where these two measurements cross (about 4 to 6 kilometers or 2.5 to 4
miles above the martian surface) match very closely. The region also
provides the first ever profile that extends from about 60 kilometers (37
miles) above the surface all the way down to the surface. Temperatures are
indicated in degrees Kelvin.
- Image Credit:
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NASA/JPL/Goddard/ASU/Cornell
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