Infrared remote sensing of planetary atmospheres

Infrared remote sensing is a powerful tool for studying the chemical composition and the thermal structure of planetary atmospheres. Infrared spectra, in particular, are used to derive molecular abundances and to infer elemental and isotopic ratios, which allow to constrain theoretical models of the formation and early evolution of the solar system, as well as the history of planetary atmospheres. Infrared imaging and spectroscopy have been performed from the ground but also from space planetary missions (Mariner 9 on Mars, Voyager on the giant planets, Galileo on Jupiter), and from the ISO Earth-orbiting infrared satellite. In the forthcoming decade, the Cassini mission will explore the Saturn system. Planetary exploration from Earth orbit will be performed by the FIRST and NGST space observatories. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier.