Computer Science
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009p%26ss...57.1857w&link_type=abstract
Planetary and Space Science, Volume 57, Issue 14-15, p. 1857-1865.
Computer Science
20
Scientific paper
We present observational evidence that the ionosphere of Titan below an altitude of 1150 km is a significant source of heavy (>100 amu) molecular organic species. This study is based on measurements by five instruments (RPWS/LP, RPWS/E, INMS, CAPS/ELS, CAPS/IBS) onboard the Cassini spacecraft during three flybys (T17, T18, T32) of Titan. The ionospheric peaks encountered at altitudes of 950-1300 km had densities in the range 900-3000 cm-3. Below these peaks the number densities of heavy positively charged ions reached 100-2000 cm-3 and approached 50-70% of the total ionospheric density with an increasing trend toward lowest measured altitudes. Simultaneously measured negatively charged ion densities were in the range 50-150 cm-3. These results imply that ~105-106 heavy positively charged ions/m3/s are continuously recombining into heavy neutrals and supply the atmosphere of Titan. The ionosphere may in this way produce 0.1-1 Mt/yr of heavy organic compounds and is therefore a sizable source for aerosol formation. We also predict that Titan's ionosphere is dominated by heavy (>100 amu) molecular ions below 950 km.
Ågren K.
André Martial
Coates Andrew J.
Crary Frank J.
Cravens Thomas E.
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