Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997icar..129...48k&link_type=abstract
Icarus, Volume 129, Issue 1, pp. 48-71.
Physics
7
Scientific paper
The Io plasma torus was imaged in wavelengths associated with emissions of S^+, S^2+, and O^2+ using the focal reducer of the Max-Planck-Institut fur Aeronomie attached to the 2.2-m telescope at the European Southern Observatory. Most of the data were obtained in a two-channel configuration, allowing simultaneous imaging of two different emissions. The spatial structure of the torus determined from individual images confirms the general results of Voyager measurements, but shows two striking differences. The cold inner torus visible in S^+ is closer to Jupiter than when observed by Voyager, which might be an important input to diffusion models. In some images the S^+ emissions appear more diffuse than predicted by Voyager-based models. A longitudinal brightness asymmetry with the maxima at approximately the same longitude for both S^+ and S^2+ is visible in the images, confirming the results of previous ground-based studies. An asymmetry in ion temperature was not found. The dawn-dusk asymmetry was low. The deviation of the location of the surface of maximum plasma density (the plasma equator) from the predictions of magnetic field models found in previous ground-based studies was confirmed. Electron density and temperature were determined from ratios of line intensities. Whereas the electron density is consistent with that derived from Voyager data, the electron temperature of the ribbon (11^+7_-4 eV) is significantly higher than that determined by Voyager, indicating substantial consequences for present ideas about the origin of the Io torus.
Jockers Klaus
Küppers Michael
No associations
LandOfFree
A Multi-Emission Imaging Study of the Io Plasma Torus 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 Multi-Emission Imaging Study of the Io Plasma Torus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Multi-Emission Imaging Study of the Io Plasma Torus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1227151