Uranus - Variability of the microwave spectrum

Details Uranus - Variability of the microwave spectrum Uranus - Variability of the microwave spectrum

Jul 1983

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1983sci...221..453g&link_type=abstract

Science (ISSN 0036-8075), vol. 221, July 29, 1983, p. 453-455. NASA-supported research.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

20

Ammonia, Atmospheric Composition, Microwave Spectra, Planetary Radiation, Radio Astronomy, Uranus Atmosphere, Atmospheric Moisture, Atmospheric Temperature, Opacity, Uranus, Microwaves, Spectra, Radio Observations, Astronomy, Emssions, Atmosphere, Ammonia, Opacity, Optical Properties, Thermal Properties, Gradients, Temperature, Wavelengths, Data, Source, Inclination

Scientific paper

Radio astronomical observations of Uranus show that the radio emission spectrum is evolving in time. Ammonia vapor must be depleted in the Uranian atmosphere as Gulkis et al. (1978) previously suggested. Since 1965, ammonia either has been decreasing in time or is a decreasing function of latitude, or both, provided that the radio emission is atmospheric in origin. If Uranus has an observable low-emissivity 'surface', these trends may be reversed. The microwave observations made in 1965, at the time when the spin axis of Uranus was nearly perpendicular to the sun-Uranus line, are consistent with an atmospheric opacity profile that would be produced by saturated ammonia vapor in a predominantly hydrogen atmosphere. At the present time, when the spin axis of Uranus is nearly aligned with the sun-Uranus line, the measurements require an opacity that would be produced by saturated water vapor. A large thermal gradient between the pole and equator is ruled out.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Uranus - Variability of the microwave spectrum 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 - Variability of the microwave spectrum, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Uranus - Variability of the microwave spectrum will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1628919