Germane in the atmosphere of Jupiter
Abstract
High-altitude spectra of Jupiter obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are analyzed for the presence of germane (GeH 4) in Jupiter's atmosphere. Comparison with laboratory spectra shows that the strong Q branch of the ν3 band of germane at 2111 cm -1 is prominent in the Jovian spectra. The abundance of germane in Jupiter's atmosphere is 0.006 (±0.003) cm-am corresponding to a mixing ratio of 0.6 ppb. This trace amount of germane is consistent with chemical equilibrium calculations if the germane present at ∼1000°K is carried up by convection to the spectroscopically observable region at ∼300°K.
- Publication:
-
Icarus
- Pub Date:
- May 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0019-1035(78)90172-0
- Bibcode:
- 1978Icar...34..344F
- Keywords:
-
- Abundance;
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Germanium Compounds;
- Hydrogen Compounds;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Jupiter Atmosphere;
- Airborne Equipment;
- Infrared Astronomy;
- Infrared Spectroscopy;
- Water Vapor;
- GERMANE;
- JUPITER;
- ATMOSPHERE;
- SPECTRUM;
- ANALYSIS;
- CONCENTRATIONS