2020 Coordinated Venus Observations of BepiColombo (ESA and JAXA), Akatsuki (JAXA), and Ground-based Telescopes

Abstract

We report the 2020 coordinated Venus observation plan of four instruments on board two spacecraft: MERTIS and PHEBUS of BepiColombo, during its Venus flyby, and LIR and UVI of Akatsuki, which is orbiting the planet. These coordinated observations will make better understanding on physical properties and chemical compositions of the Venusian atmosphere above the cloud top level, and provide an excellent cross comparison opportunity. In addition, coordinated ground-based observations can provide unique complimentary spatial coverage from the spacecraft, and can expand the spectral ranges of the four instruments. We will also introduce more instruments that will perform Venus observations from BepiColombo and Akatsuki, but independently. We would like to encourage your participants to this exciting event of Venus observations.