Tuesday, February 1st at 2.00pm @ the JAC

ABSTRACT: I will present the results of UKIRT observations of Mars obtained during the 2003 opposition. We are using these observations in conjunction with high resolution radiative transfer models to develop methods of measuring and mapping basic atmospheric properties such as pressure and temperature. The results can then be compared with the predictions of atmospheric circulation models to study the Martian weather and climate. I will describe some of the difficulties in obtaining such observations using ground-based telescopes and how they may be overcome.