Detection Of Complex Molecules In Titan's Upper Atmosphere

Details Detection Of Complex Molecules In Titan's Upper Atmosphere Detection Of Complex Molecules In Titan's Upper Atmosphere

Sep 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006dps....38.3603v&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #38, #36.03; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 38, p.549

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

Determination of the density of photochemical species in the upper atmosphere is crucial to development of an understanding of chemistry on Titan. Only high-energy photons, electrons, or ions can break the strong N2 bond and these are found primarily in the upper atmosphere. The Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) performed the first composition measurements of Titan's ionosphere during the T5 close pass by the Cassini spacecraft through Titan's upper atmosphere. With a model for the chemical kinetics, we identify ions, estimate reaction rates in the atmosphere, and constrain neutral densities.
The presence of many ions can only be understood as the consequence of significant density of associated neutrals. We have identified 45 ion species and we have determined the abundance of 9 neutral species from analysis of the low mass portion (m/z < 60) of the INMS ion spectrum, including 4 new N-containing species (NH3, C2H3CN, C2H5CN, and CH2NH) [1]. We now extend our analysis to heavier masses, which show the presence of even more complex hydrocarbon as well as N-containing ions. Simple parameterization of the chemistry allows estimating the density of some of the associated neutrals, which include HC5N and C6H6. The photochemical products created in the upper atmosphere are highly reactive and it appears that much of the chemistry on Titan occurs in this region rather than at lower altitudes. This affects the composition of the bulk atmosphere, the composition and optical properties of the aerosols and the flux of condensable material to the surface.
[1] The nitrogen chemistry of Titan's upper atmosphere revealed. Vuitton et al., ApJ Letters, in press.

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