Venus upper atmosphere and plasma environment: Critical issues for future exploration
Luhmann, J. G.; Russell, C. T.; Cravens, T. E.; Strangeway, R. J.; Nagy, A. F.
United States
Abstract
This chapter briefly summarizes our state of knowledge about the upper atmosphere and plasma environment of Venus. This is followed by a discussion of some of the outstanding remaining issues in the field beginning with the Venus Express epoch and continuing to Planet C and beyond. We compare with other planets, especially Mars, and emphasize open issues. The goal is to highlight key outstanding problems rather than to be encyclopedic, and to acknowledge opposing views in order to determine where progress needs to be made.