Ammonia in the Atmosphere of Venus

Kenneth A. Goettel Planetary Astronomy Laboratory, Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139

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John S. Lewis Planetary Astronomy Laboratory, Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139

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Abstract

Several aspects of the chemistry of NH3 in the Venus atmosphere are examined. Production of NH3 and precipitation of NH3 compounds are considered quantitatively. It is concluded that the high NH3 mixing ratios reported by the Soviet Venera 8 landing probe appear to be inconsistent with the observed abundances of other gases in the Venus atmosphere.

Abstract

Several aspects of the chemistry of NH3 in the Venus atmosphere are examined. Production of NH3 and precipitation of NH3 compounds are considered quantitatively. It is concluded that the high NH3 mixing ratios reported by the Soviet Venera 8 landing probe appear to be inconsistent with the observed abundances of other gases in the Venus atmosphere.

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