Spectrophotometry of Uranus in the region of λλ 5000-6800
Abstract
Spectrograms of Uranus obtained with a 2-m reflector are used to study the methane absorption bands and the pressure-induced S(0)(4-0) line of molecular hydrogen at 6420 A. Forty-five intense absorption lines absent from the solar spectrum were observed in the spectrum of Uranus between 6500 and 6750 A; the methane absorption bands at 5430, 5840, 6140, 6560, and 6620 A were definitely recorded. Variations in the intensity of the methane bands over the disk of the planet are examined with the aid of two spectrograms, and the intensity is found not to change from center to limb. The methane band at 6190 A is shown to consist of three bands, and it is suggested that Uranus may have an optically thin atmosphere above the clouds that manifests itself primarily through absorption.
- Publication:
-
Soviet Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- April 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976SvA....19..622D
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Spectrophotometry;
- Uranus (Planet);
- Absorption Spectra;
- Methane;
- Spectral Bands;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration