The Asymmetric Atmosphere of Uranus

Physics

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #8680 Solar System

Scientific paper

We propose to image Uranus as the planet plunges toward equinox in 2007. Recent HST images during this unique epoch {6818: Hammel, Lockwood, and Rages; 7429: Tomasko and Karkoschka; 7885: Hammel, Karkoschka, and Marley} have revealed: {i} strongly wavelength-dependent latitudinal structure, {ii} the presence of numerous visible-wavelength cloud features in the northern hemisphere, {iii} zonal winds which may deviate from the smooth profile implied by the Voyager observations in 1986, and, {iv} in the near-IR, discrete features northward of +25degrees that have the highest contrast ever seen for a Uranian cloud {Karkoschka 1998, Science 393, 765-767; Hammel Etal 1999, submitted to Icarus}. Specific scientific issues we will address with new observations are: whether the northern features are indicative of intrinsic change or result simply from a change of viewing angle; the shape and stability of the zonal wind profile; and the source of the as-yet unexplained variations of the atmospheric reflectivity. When possible, observations will be coordinated with ground-based imaging, spectroscopy, and photometry. This period approaching equinox is the first opportunity {in the era of modern instrumentation} to examine the far regions of the northern hemisphere on Uranus.

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