Microstructure of the Venus cloud layer according to results of a spectrophotometric experiment by means of the Venera-11 landing capsule

Aerosol microstructure in the cloud layer of the Venus is investigated. The ''Venera-11'' device is used to measure the intensity of scattered solar radiation in Venus atmosphere in the spectral range of 0.45-1.5 μm. On the basis of results of spectrophotometric experiment using the regularization method according to Tichonov A. N. the reestablishment of spectra of cloud particle dimensions at heights of 48-65 km, is performed. The use of results of nephelometric experiments has permitted to estimate the value of the index of substance aerosol refraction. The value in approximtately 1.33 obtained for the lower part of the cloud layer propably points to the presence of non-spheric particles. In the distribution of particles in sizes higher than 60 km, submicron fraction (r < or approximately 1 μm) with high general concentration (N1 approximately 103 cm-3) prevails. Lower than 60 km in the middle cloud layer, a gradual expansion of dimension spectrum takes place. The second mode of particles with the average size R rsub(mod) approximately 1.4 μm and the general N concentration about 50 cm-3 appears. The refraction index of aerosol substance in the upper and middle cloud layers (H=65-51 km) found in the case of mutual interpretation of spectrophotometric and nephelometric experiments is estimated to be equal 1.44-1.53