Ares: A Mars model retrieval framework for ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter NOMAD solar occultation measurements

TL;DR

Ares is a novel atmospheric retrieval framework adapted from exoplanet methods, designed for ESA's NOMAD instrument on Mars, enabling detailed analysis of Martian atmospheric composition and potentially clarifying methane's role.

Contribution

It extends the TauREx 3 framework with new models and parameters tailored for Martian atmospheric retrievals using NOMAD data, integrating exoplanetary techniques.

Findings

Validated against Planetary Spectrum Generator

Provides detailed atmospheric composition insights

Enhances understanding of Martian methane presence

Abstract

Ares is an extension of the TauREx 3 retrieval framework for the Martian atmosphere. Ares is a collection of new atmospheric parameters and forward models, designed for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) instrument, Solar Occultation (SO) channel. Ares provides unique insights into the chemical composition of the Martian atmosphere by applying methods utilised in exoplanetary atmospheric retrievals, Waldmann et al. (2015), Al-Refaie et al. (2019). This insight may help unravel the true nature of $CH_{4}$ on Mars. The Ares model is here described. Subsequently, the components of Ares are defined, including; the NOMAD SO channel instrument function model, Martian atmospheric molecular absorption cross-sections, geometry models, and a NOMAD noise model. Ares atmospheric priors and forward models are presented, (i.e., simulated NOMAD observations), and are analysed, compared and validated against the Planetary Spectrum Generator, Villanueva et al. (2018).