Ultraviolet photometry of Venus: Scattering layer above the absorbing clouds

Experimental measurements by ultraviolet photometers aboard Venera-9 and -10 are presented, discussed, and compared with various theoretical models of the ultraviolet structure of the atmosphere of Venus. The model in best agreement with observation provides for a finely dispersed, 8 km thick Rayleigh scattering layer above the primary cloud cover. Dark contrast details are considered to be breaks or areas of lower optical thickness in the upper scattering layer