Multi-wavelength Observations of Neptune’s Atmosphere

We conducted a multi-wavelength observing campaign on Neptune between June and October, 2003. We used the 10-m Keck telescope at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths and the VLA at radio wavelengths. Near infrared images were taken in October 2003 in broad- and narrow-band filters between 1 and 2.5 micron, using the infrared camera NIRC2 coupled to the Keck Adaptive Optics system. At these wavelengths we detect sunlight reflected off clouds in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. As shown by various authors before, bright bands of discrete cloud features are visible between 20°S and 50°S and near 30°N, as well as several distinct bright cloud features near 70°S, and the south polar “dot”. Mid-infrared images were taken on September 5 and 6 (2003) using the Keck LWS system in atmospheric windows at 8, 8.9, 10.7, 11.7, 12.5, 17.65, 18.75 and 22 micron. At these wavelengths we detect thermal emission from Neptune’s stratosphere due to the presence of hydrocarbons, and from near the tropopause due to collision induced opacity by hydrogen. At all wavelengths the South polar region stands out as a bright spot. At 17 - 22 micron also the equatorial region is slightly enhanced in intensity. These characteristics are consistent with later imaging at similar wavelengths (Hammel et al. 2007; Orton et al. 2007). Microwave images were constructed from NRAO VLA data between 0.7 and 6.0 cm. At these wavelengths depths of several up to >50 bar are probed. An increase in brightness indicates decreased opacity of absorbers (e.g., NH3, H2S), since under such circumstances deep, and hence warm levels (adiabatic temperature-pressure profile), will be probed. The multi-wavelength observing campaign in 2003 was focused on obtaining images that probe different altitudes in Neptune’s atmosphere. Indeed, this set of data probes altitudes from about 0.1 mbar down to ~50 bar, and hence can be used to constrain the global atmospheric circulation in Neptune’s atmosphere. At the meeting we will show our results and interpretation of the findings.