A model of Triton's atmosphere and ionosphere

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

2

Atmospheric Models, Planetary Ionospheres, Satellite Atmospheres, Thermosphere, Triton, Atmospheric Heating, Atmospheric Ionization, Electron Precipitation, Ionospheric Electron Density, Solar Planetary Interactions

Scientific paper

On the basis of Voyager 2 observations, a simple model of Triton's thermosphere and ionosphere is built. Heating and ionization by solar EUV and precipitating electrons are computed. The main conclusions are: solar EUV flux at Triton is large enough to account for the observed exospheric temperature (95 K), but not for the observed electron densities; although N2(+) is the principal product of ionization, it is rapidly quenched in collisions with CH4 or H2 and N(+) is the major ion; the ionosphere is in chemical equilibrium below 700 km and in diffusive equilibrium above; ionization by a Maxwellian distribution of precipitating electrons with average energy 900 eV and total input 0.1 erg/cu cm/s can reasonably well account for the observed ionosphere.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

A model of Triton's atmosphere and ionosphere 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 A model of Triton's atmosphere and ionosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A model of Triton's atmosphere and ionosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1551458

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.