The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra

Details The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra

Oct 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007dps....39.0107b&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #39, #1.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 39, p.408

Computer Science

Sound

Scientific paper

In April 2007, we observed Jupiter at 5 microns using the CSHELL spectrometer on the IRTF about 7 weeks after the New Horizons flyby. We observed 3 regions of interest: the Great Red Spot, Oval BA, and a storm near 25 North. The latter cloud feature was first detected by amateur astronomers in March and it had dissipated by May. CSHELL was used to resolve spectrally the line shapes of NH3 and PH3 absorption lines at 5.26 and 5.07 μm, respectively. Images were acquired in a methane band near 1.67 μm where these cloud features exhibit high contrast. Images were also taken at 4.7 μm to reconstruct the pointing of the CSHELL slit. The NH3 and PH3 lines vary enormously in strength and width as a function of spatial position on Jupiter. Hot Spots exhibit strong pressure-broadened features due to sounding the 3-8 bar level on Jupiter. Other regions exhibit weak and narrow NH3 and PH3 features indicating the presence of water clouds at the 3 to 4 bar level which block thermal emission from deeper levels. Fraunhofer lines are not observed in Hot Spots but are present in low-flux regions. The strength of these lines constrains the ratio of reflected sunlight to thermal emission, thus providing additional clues to the deep cloud structure. For Oval BA and the northern storm, there are water clouds to the east, but not in the center of each storm. The Great Red Spot appears to have deeper roots, with significant cloud opacity near 3-4 bars within the Spot. Ammonia and phosphine lines exhibit different behavior within the GRS, indicating changes in gas mole fractions as well as cloud opacity.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra 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 The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Deep Cloud Structure of Jovian Storms from 5-micron Spectra will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1064692