The infrared spectra of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan from 0.8 to 2.5 microns.
Abstract
The paper combines the results of two projects that significantly augment previous studies: exploratory IR spectroscopic observations of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan using a 4-m telescope; and new long-path laboratory comparison spectra of methane at abundances appropriate for these planetary spectra. The observations of these previously unexplored spectral regimes provide new insights into the composition and structures of these atmospheres. The spectra of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan are discussed and analyzed from several complementary points of view. A number of specific topics are discussed in detail: methane abundance determinations, limitations in using the 3nu3 CH4 band at high abundances, upper limits to a number of molecules, implications from the pressure-induced spectrum of H2, and consequences of Rayleigh scattering in Uranus's upper atmosphere.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/157466
- Bibcode:
- 1979ApJ...233.1021F
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Neptune (Planet);
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Rayleigh Scattering;
- Titan;
- Uranus (Planet);
- Abundance;
- Albedo;
- Atmospheric Scattering;
- Hydrogen;
- Methane;
- Spectral Resolution;
- Uranus Atmosphere;
- URANUS;
- NEPTUNE;
- SATELLITES;
- TITAN;
- INFRARED;
- SPECTRUM;
- ANALYSIS;
- DATA;
- ABUNDANCES;
- TELESCOPIC OBSERVATIONS;
- ALBEDO;
- METHANE;
- ATMOSPHERE;
- GASES;
- HYDROGEN;
- AMMONIA;
- MODELS;
- HYDROGEN SULFIDE;
- RAYLEIGH SCATTERING;
- BANDS;
- PRESSURE;
- TEMPERATURES;
- CLOUDS;
- THICKNESS;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Planets; Neptune; Uranus; Satellites of Saturn;
- Infrared Spectra:Neptune;
- Infrared Spectra:Titan;
- Infrared Spectra:Uranus;
- Planets:Element Abundances