Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008dps....40.3104w&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #40, #31.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 40, p.446
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Independent, simultaneous positive ion measurements have been obtained by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) and the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) during fourteen Cassini encounters with Titan's upper atmosphere. Significant densities of positive ions with masses greater than 100 Daltons have been observed. The overlap of the CAPS and INMS spectra is utilized to accurately determine the mass identity. The composition of these high mass ions is investigated through both an analytical model and a theoretical photochemical model based on the work by de la Haye et al (2008). The structure of the mass spectra shows a peak spacing of 12-14 Daltons suggesting that the composition is primarily large hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon nitrile molecules. The photochemical model shows that the production of these high mass positive ions is possible through the ion neutral chemical pathways measured by Anicich et al (2006) and may include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are the precursors to the tholins observed in the stratosphere.
Crary Frank J.
Magee Brian A.
Mandt Kathleen E.
Waite H. Jr. J..
Westlake Joseph
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