The periods of Neptune - Evidence for atmospheric motions

Details The periods of Neptune - Evidence for atmospheric motions The periods of Neptune - Evidence for atmospheric motions

May 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981icar...46..263b&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 46, May 1981, p. 263-274.

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28

Atmospheric Circulation, Methane, Neptune Atmosphere, Periodic Variations, Planetary Rotation, Albedo, Brightness Distribution, Fourier Analysis, Harmonics, Light Curve, Photometry, Spectrum Analysis, Time Series Analysis, Neptune, Periods, Atmosphere, Motion, Photometry, Winds, Data, Color, Methane, Absorption, Latitudes, Zones, Rotation, Observations, Spectrum, Analysis, Harmonics, Models, Light Curve, Photographs

Scientific paper

An extended photometric time series in the J and K bands of Neptune has a complex appearance which appears to require the simultaneous presence of three periodicities plus related harmonics in the (J-K) color. The most apparent of the fundamental periods is N1 = 17.73 hr. The two others are at N2 = 18.56 and N3 = 18.29 hr and may be the result of amplitude modulation of a previously reported period of 18.42 hr. We interpret the presence of multiple periodicity as indicating that distinct systems of zonal winds exist on the planet. We argue that these wind systems are probably confined to moderate or high latitudes on the basis of recent images of the planet taken in a spectral region of strong CH4 absorption, and, by analogy to the zonal wind systems that exist in Jupiter's atmosphere, deduce a period of rotation for the body of the planet of 18.2 + or - 0.4 hr. Zonal wind contrasts of up to 109 m/sec are implied in the atmosphere of Neptune by these observations.

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