Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Nov 1986
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1986apj...310..966s&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 310, Nov. 15, 1986, p. 966-971.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13
Atmospheric Composition, Io, Oxygen, Satellite Atmospheres, Sulfur, Toroids, Electron Density (Concentration), Electron Energy, Ion Concentration, Neutral Particles, Reaction Kinetics
Scientific paper
Ultraviolet spectra (1150-1750 A) of the Io torus, obtained using a rocket-borne telescope and spectrometer in May 1981, show emissions of neutral sulfur and neutral oxygen, as well as ionic emissions of S II, S III, and S IV. The emissions are observed almost 180 deg from the location of the satellite Io and imply the existence of an extended neutral atomic cloud associated with the torus. In the present work, neutral densities and ion mixing ratios are derived by modeling the observations using torus electron temperature and density profiles proportional to those at the time of the Voyager 1 encounter. The model includes the effects of photoexcitation, which can be considerable if the neutral cloud is large enough. At the time of the observation, substantial densities of neutral oxygen and neutral sulfur are found in regions of the torus far from Io. These lower limits on the neutral densities are compared to theoretical models of the neutral source, and the ion mixing ratios are compared to IUE observations of the torus obtained over a period of 5 yr. Arguments that tend to rule out Europa as the source of the neutral emission are also presented.
Durrance Samuel T.
Skinner Thomas E.
No associations
LandOfFree
Neutral oxygen and sulfur densities in the Io torus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Neutral oxygen and sulfur densities in the Io torus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Neutral oxygen and sulfur densities in the Io torus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1148992