Preliminary evidence for drizzle in the middle cloud layer of Venus Original Research Article

Vertical trajectory data from the VEGA 1 and 2 balloon flights in the atmosphere of Venus is re-analyzed. A previously employed helium leak rate profile invoked to entirely account for the decrease in equilibrium float altitude of VEGA 2 is questioned and deemed ad hoc. As an alternative, it is proposed that both VEGA 1 and 2 experienced in-flight mass increases due to the deposition of cloud particles onto their envelopes, as well as losing helium at a reduced rate consistent with the pre-flight prediction. Particle deposition rates are estimated and found to be compatible with this alternative scenario. Possible evidence for drizzle is also presented. Preliminary experiments to derive aerosol deposition rate on a flat plate and the maximum feasible liquid mass that may be accumulated on a near-spherical envelope are briefly described. Further experimental work is recommended to constrain the deposition efficiency values involved and the maximum feasible drizzle fluxes that could have been encountered by both VEGA 1 and 2.