Laser heterodyne spectroscopy measures planetary winds
MAY 01, 1978
DOI: 10.1063/1.2995032
A new technique involving quantum electronics and lasers is being used for high‐resolution astronomical observations. The technique—infrared heterodyne spectroscopy—has detected wind patterns on Venus to roughly 5 meters/sec (almost as good as the police do with radar detection of speeders). In addition, the technique has been used to detect such things as nonthermal emission from planets and the distribution of various gases in Earth’s atmosphere.
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© 1978 American Institute of Physics
