Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Jul 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002hst..prop.9393s&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #9393
Physics
Optics
Hst Proposal Id #9393
Scientific paper
A 4-year gap in detailed observation of one of the most active planets in our solar system can be ended by our proposed multispectral WFPC2 imaging of Neptune over a period of 2 Neptune rotations. Our objectives are {1} mapping the two- dimensional distribution of Neptune's discrete cloud features and zonal bands with sufficiently dense longitudinal sampling to insure detection of any Great Dark Spot, or other major storm system, up to 35degrees N, {2} characterizing Neptune's circulation by tracking cloud motions during two densely sampled half-rotations that ensure reliable target identification, and {4} characterizing the vertical structure of clouds by imaging with filters that select varying amounts of Rayleigh scattering and methane absorption and by capturing their center-to-limb variations during intensely sampled feature transits. To enhance the characterization of cloud structure we will also propose coordinated groundbased IRTF and Keck observations, both using adaptive optics at near IR wavelengths that provide access to additional strong methane and hydrogen absorption bands. The proposed HST observations use the same filters as in 1996 and 1998, as well as additional filters, permitting detailed comparisons with previous observations.
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