Saturn - Long-term variation of H2 and CH4 absorptions

Details Saturn - Long-term variation of H2 and CH4 absorptions Saturn - Long-term variation of H2 and CH4 absorptions

Jul 1977

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977icar...31..369t&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 31, July 1977, p. 369-384.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

8

Absorption Spectra, Hydrogen, Methane, Saturn Atmosphere, Annual Variations, Astronomical Spectroscopy, Atmospheric Composition, Quadrupoles, Spectral Line Width

Scientific paper

Results are presented for observations of various H2 quadrupole lines and CH4 absorption bands in spectra of Saturn obtained with a coude scanner at each apparition since 1969. The data are found to indicate a long-term variation in Saturn's H2 equivalent widths, a seasonal dependence of H2 line strength, and a fairly steady increase in CH4 absorption during the period from 1973 to 1976. A possible correlation between planetary shading and the strength of H2 absorption features is discussed along with seasonal variations in Saturn's NH3 cloud deck and atmospheric models that correspond to the observed H2 equivalent widths. It is suggested that: (1) significant shadowing by the rings may cause dynamical atmospheric activity due to the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the penumbral boundaries of the ring shadow in the planet's upper atmosphere; (2) cooling in the shadow may be a source of a high-altitude CH4 mist; and (3) spreading of this mist over the globe by advective winds would reduce the H2 and CH4 absorptions, as observed.

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