8366(  2) - 12/18/98 16:48  - [  1]

    PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS   ST ScI Use Only
                                                       ID:      8366
                                                       Version: 2
                                                       Check-in Date: 18-Dec-1998
                                                                      16:47:47

1.Proposal Title:
A Critical Extension to Martian Ozone Abundances Using WFPC2
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2. Proposal For  3. Cycle
AR               8
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4. Investigators
                                                                                     Contact?
    PI: Barbara A. Whitney                Prism Computational Sciences, Inc.
   CoI: Dr. Michael J. Wolff              Space Science Institute                       N

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5. Abstract

We propose to use archival WFPC2 data to determine the atmospheric ozone abundances
on Mars for a period not well studied by previous efforts. This quantity is a
fundamental diagnostic of that planet's atmospheric processes. The multi- year
coverage of the WFPC2 data (1995-7) provides information about the latitudinal,
seasonal, and interannual variations of Martian ozone column densities. We will
focus our efforts on the period from late spring through the end of summer (in the
northern hemisphere), with special attention given to low-to- mid latitude regions
where coverage is very incomplete. We will model the ozone absorption in the Hartley
Band taking into account Rayleigh scattering, dust, and cloud opacities. Our
analyses will involve F255W, whose throughput curves are ideal for measurements of
the Hartley Band, F336W, and F410M. We maximize sensitivity to small amounts of
ozone by examining regions with large atmospheric pathlengths (i.e., near the limb).
Artifacts associated with image restoration are avoided by, instead, convolving the
models with the relevant point spread function. Our approach, in combination with
the unique nature of the requested dataset, will allow for the most accurate and
extensive ozone abundances to date for the seasons sampled. The Mars Global Surveyor
does NOT have capability to provide such information.
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  Data Distribution

  Paper Products:  NO
  Media:           ELECTRONIC
  Blocking Factor: 10
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                                                8366(  2) - 12/18/98 16:48  - [  2]

            Summary Form for Proposal  8366

  Item                         Used in this proposal
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  Proposal Category            AR
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