On Penetration Depth of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 Fragments into the Jovian Atmosphere
Abstract
The actual penetration depth of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments into the Jovian atmosphere is still an open question. From fundamental equations of meteoric physics with variable cross-section, a new analytic model of energy release of the fragments is presented. In use of reasonable parameters, a series of results are calculated for different initial mass of the fragments. The results show that the largest fragment explodes above pressure levels of 3 bars and does not penetrate into the H2O cloud layer of the Jovian atmosphere, and that airburst of smaller fragments occur even above the upper cloud layer.
- Publication:
-
Earth Moon and Planets
- Pub Date:
- May 1996
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00114146
- Bibcode:
- 1996EM&P...73..147H