Computer Science
Scientific paper
Dec 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997hst..prop.7242s&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #7242
Computer Science
Hst Proposal Id #7242 Solar System
Scientific paper
Voyager dramatically extended the results of groundbased observations that had already revealed the presence of clouds on Neptune. Brilliant white clouds were observed at visible wavelengths, contrasting sharply with the blue background of the planet. In the near-infrared groundbased observations, these clouds stand out against the dark background caused by atmospheric methane absorption. It is generally assumed that these clouds are composed of methane ice crystals, but there is no spectroscopic evidence for this. To the contrary, it is curious that the clouds are so prominent in the K band, since solid methane absorbs strongly at several wavelengths in this region. To secure identification of composition, precise spectrophotometry at the highest possible spatial resolution is needed. The filters used in this observation should distinguish methane ice from water ice, and either one of these from neutral scatterers such as carbon monoxide, argon, etc. Because the distribution of bright clouds in Neptune's atmosphere is difficult to predict, two identical visits will be made.
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