Diurnal variability of the total mass influx of meteoroids, in kilograms per Earth-day, into the Venusian atmosphere before atmospheric entry, as determined by the MIF model for four orbital positions: the first crossing of the ecliptic plane (L_S = 18°, panel (a)), the minimum vertical distance from the ecliptic plane (L_S = 108°, panel (b)), the second crossing of the ecliptic plane (L_S = 199°, panel (c)), and perihelion (L_S = 254°, panel (d)). The LTST is computed assuming its corresponding value at longitude 0° (LTST₀), that is, relative to the prime meridian at Venus. The vertical dashed black lines represent the positions of the antihelion, apex, and helion directions as a function of the LTST. An animation of this figure is available, showing the latitudinal and orbital variability of the total mass influx of meteoroids throughout Venus’ orbit; the animation cycles through all solar longitudes, starting from aphelion L_S = 73°, going to L_S = 0°, and then to L_S = 74°.

(An animation of this figure is available in the online article.)

(An animation of this figure is available.)

The video/animation of this figure is available in the online journal.