High spatial and spectral resolution 10-μm observations of jupiter
Abstract
Ten-micrometer spectra of the North Tropical Zone, North Equatorial Belt, and Great Red Spot at a spectral resolution of 1.1 cm -1 are compared to synthetic spectra. These ground-based spectra were obtained simultaneously with the Voyager 1 encounter with Jupiter in March, 1979. The NH 3 vertical distribution is found to decrease with altitude significantly faster than the saturated vapor pressure curve and is different for the three observed regions. Spatial variability in the NH 3 mixing ratio could be caused by changes in the amount of NH 3 condensation or in the degree of the NH 3 photolysis. The C 2H 6 emission at 12 μm has approximately the same strength at the North Tropical Zone and North Equatorial Belt, but it is 30% weaker at the Great Red Spot. A cooler temperature inversion or a smaller abundance of C 2H 6 could explain the lower C 2H 6 emission over the Great Red Spot.
- Publication:
-
Icarus
- Pub Date:
- October 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0019-1035(80)90058-5
- Bibcode:
- 1980Icar...44...93T
- Keywords:
-
- Abundance;
- Infrared Astronomy;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Jupiter Atmosphere;
- Spectral Resolution;
- Ammonia;
- Ethane;
- Phosphines;
- Photolysis;
- Spatial Resolution;
- Turbulent Diffusion