Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998baas...30.1093v&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #30, #41.P07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 30, p.1093
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
The Voyager 1 Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS) observations are the only direct measurements we have of Titan's upper atmosphere. Previous analysis of the two UVS solar occultations yielded densities for N_2, CH_4, and C_2H_2, as well as the thermospheric temperature. These results serve as the upper atmospheric boundary conditions in models of Titan's atmosphere; however, there are discrepancies between the observations and models, and the previous analysis itself is known to be internally inconsistent. We have undertaken a reanalysis of the UVS solar occultations to resolve these differences and to extract the maximum amount of information from the data. In so doing, we have developed a detailed model of the UVS detector and an analysis method tailored to retrieving multiple species from an occultation of a finite-sized source such as the sun. Our analysis has yielded density profiles for nine species in Titan's upper atmosphere and a new measurement of the thermospheric temperature. We find higher N_2 densities and lower CH_4 and C_2H_2 densities than those previously determined. We also find a thermospheric temperature of 150-155 K instead of 176-196 K as in the early analysis. Densities for C_2H_4, C_2H_6, C_4H_2, C_2N_2, HCN, and HC_3N are retrieved in the upper atmosphere for the first time. These results provide improved and expanded constraints for the atmospheric models and should provide scientists with a better view of Titan's upper atmosphere, which is important in planning for the upcoming Cassini mission.
Sandel Bill R.
Vervack Ronald J. Jr.
No associations
LandOfFree
Titan's Upper Atmospheric Structure Derived From Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer Observations 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 Titan's Upper Atmospheric Structure Derived From Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer Observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Titan's Upper Atmospheric Structure Derived From Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer Observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-813609