The Drying Effect of Jovian Thunderstorms
Abstract
Using HST/NICMOS filters centered at 1.45 microns and 1.87 microns, we find that clouds surrounding convective storms in Jupiter's Great Red Spot turbulent wake region display a bimodal infrared color distribution. The 1.45/1.87-micron color ratio varies between 0.57 +/- 0.04 and 0.40 +/- 0.02 within this region. These wavelengths sound the atmosphere at pressures of approximately 1.5 bar or less, depending on local conditions. We use data at 1.66, 2.04, and 2.12 microns to constrain variable properties of the overlying haze. Radiative transfer model results will be presented to quantify the spatial variation in ammonia gas responsible for the variation in the 1.45/1.87-micron color ratio, since ammonia absorption is strong within the methane-transparent red end of the F145M filter. The results have implications for the magnitude of the drying effect of convective storms in Jupiter's atmosphere. The data were acquired in March 2005 under program GO-10161.
- Publication:
-
AAS/Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting Abstracts #39
- Pub Date:
- October 2007
- Bibcode:
- 2007DPS....39.0109W