Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Feb 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999georl..26..393b&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 26, Issue 3, p. 393-396
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
19
Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Airglow And Aurora, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Planetary Atmospheres, Planetology: Solar System Objects: Jovian Satellites, Solar Physics, Astrophysics, And Astronomy: Ultraviolet Emissions
Scientific paper
The analytical yield spectral model is applied to the calculation of photoelectron fluxes, excitation rates, and photoelectron-excited intensities of several neutral and ionized S and O UV emissions, and SO (240-265 nm) and SO2 (264-430) band emissions in the atmosphere of Io. Most of the OI emission intensity is produced in the e-O direct collisional-excitation rather than in the e-SO2 dissociative excitation process. Using the existing models of Io's atmosphere the calculated brightness of neutral O and S emissions on Io is found to be 2 to 3 orders of magnitude smaller compared to the HST-observed intensity. We have shown that larger intensities can be produced on increasing the densities of the atmospheric species, particularly the atomic species: a model where O dominates over SO2 above a few tens of km altitude can explain 10-30% of the HST brightness. Our model calculations have demonstrated that it is possible to explain the HST-observed brightness provided that (a) the Io's atmospheric densities are much larger (>factor of 10) and more extended in altitude than those predicted by the existing models, and (b) there is a mechanism to accelerate the ionospheric photoelectrons to energies ~100 eV. Otherwise, there should be some other source of the production of these emissions on Io.
Bhardwaj Anil
Michael Marykutty
No associations
LandOfFree
On the excitation of Io's atmosphere by the photoelectrons: application of the analytical yield spectral model of SO2 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 On the excitation of Io's atmosphere by the photoelectrons: application of the analytical yield spectral model of SO2, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the excitation of Io's atmosphere by the photoelectrons: application of the analytical yield spectral model of SO2 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1032428