Optical properties of the Martian aerosols in the visible spectral range

Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) obtained data of sky brightness as a function of the scattering angle, wavelenght, time of day and Sol. This data set is fitted with model calculations to extract the size distribution, shape and the refractive index of the aerosols suspended in the atmosphere. The inferred optical parameters are discussed in context of diurnal variations and compared to those derived from Viking Landers cameras and Phobos KRFM radiometer data. The effects of the scattering and absorption of the solar radiation by the atmospheric aerosols are discussed in terms of their influence on the spectrophotometry of the Martian surface.