Upper limits to Jovian hard X radiation from the Ulysses gamma ray burst experiment
Abstract
We describe the first in situ search for Jovian X radiation with a dedicated X ray instrument. Upper limits to Jupiter's X ray power in the 27-48 keV range are presented using data taken by the gamma ray burst experiment on the inbound Ulysses trajectory, at distances between 163 and 110 RJ. The data were analyzed using three methods for detection of (1) a steady flux, (2) a flux linked to System III rotation, and (3) a sporadic flux. The 3σ upper limits lie between 1.1×108 and 5.6×108 W. The results are consistent with the idea that the bulk of the Jovian UV auroral emissions are due to energetic electrons, while the previously observed low-energy X radiation is due to ion precipitation.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- December 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1029/93JA02590
- Bibcode:
- 1993JGR....9821217H
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Jupiter (Planet);
- Planetary Magnetospheres;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- X Rays;
- Ulysses Mission;
- X Ray Detectors;
- Ionosphere: Particle precipitation;
- Magnetospheric Physics: Planetary magnetospheres;
- Planetology: Fluid Planets: Interactions with particles and fields;
- Planetology: Fluid Planets: Magnetic fields and magnetism