Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997hst..prop.7885h&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #7885
Physics
Hst Proposal Id #7885 Solar System
Scientific paper
Recent HST images confirm that Uranus is undergoing atmospheric changes as the planet inches toward equinox in 2007 {parts of its northern hemisphere are now moving into sunlight after being in darkness for many years}. GO 6818 {Hammel et al.} yielded excellent PC1 imaging of Uranus {NICMOS provides even better discrimination for vertical aerosol distribution than PC1, but was not available in Cycle 6}. The data revealed strongly wavelength-dependent latitudinal structure and the presence of visible-wavelength cloud features in the northern hemisphere - the first ever so detected in the modern era. One orbit of GO 7429 {Tomasko and Karkoschka} was devoted to Uranus NICMOS imaging in six filters. Like the PC1 images, the NICMOS images show strongly wavelength-dependent latitudinal banding and reveal several discrete features near 30 degrees north - these features have the highest contrast ever seen for a Uranian cloud. The timescale of the changes on Uranus is unknown, but some models predict it could be rapid. Furthermore, this is the first opportunity to detect some regions of the northern hemisphere on Uranus. NICMOS will be used to image Uranus during this unique epoch of change. Adequate sampling of all longitudes in the northern hemisphere, where the newly detected features appear, requires 3 orbits. When possible, observations will be coordinated with ground-based imaging, spectroscopy, and photometry.
No associations
LandOfFree
Uranus Nearing Equinox: Vertical Aerosol Distribution of Atmospheric Structure 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 Uranus Nearing Equinox: Vertical Aerosol Distribution of Atmospheric Structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Uranus Nearing Equinox: Vertical Aerosol Distribution of Atmospheric Structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-896361