Radiative transfer models for Galileo NIMS studies of the atmosphere of Jupiter

Scientific results from NIMS observations of Venus have been extensively reported in the literature, while those of Jupiter have, at the time of writing, just barely commenced. The planning and interpretation of studies of these planets, with their massive atmospheres and exotic compositions (by terrestrial standards), requires a comprehensive treatment of radiative transfer in both. This paper describes work done at Oxford to develop the underlying theory and practical radiative transfer schemes, with particular reference to the NIMS wavelength range, spectral resolution, and scientific objectives for Jupiter. Equivalent work for Venus has already been reported in the literature (e.g. Kamp and Taylor, 1990) and will not be covered in detail here.