Interpretation of the 6818.9-A methane feature observed on Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus

Details Interpretation of the 6818.9-A methane feature observed on Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus Interpretation of the 6818.9-A methane feature observed on Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus

Dec 1983

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1983icar...56..543b&link_type=abstract

Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035), vol. 56, Dec. 1983, p. 543-559.

Computer Science

29

Abundance, Gas Giant Planets, Methane, Molecular Absorption, Molecular Spectra, Planetary Atmospheres, Aerosols, Jupiter Atmosphere, Molecular Rotation, Planetary Composition, Quantum Numbers, Saturn Atmosphere, Spectral Line Width, Uranus Atmosphere

Scientific paper

High-resolution (0.1-A) spectra of the 6818.9-A methane feature obtained for Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus by Baines, Schempp, and Smith (1969) are modeled using a doubling and adding code after Hansen (1983). The feature's rotational quantum number is estimated using the relatively homogeneous atmosphere of Saturn, with only J = 0 and J = 1 fitting the observational constraints. The aerosol content within Saturn's northern temperate region is shown to be substantially less than at the equator, indicating a haze only half as optically thick. Models of Jupiter's atmosphere are consistent with the rotational quantum-number assignment. Synthetic line profiles of the 6818.9-A feature observed on Uranus reveal that a substantial haze exists at or above the methane condensation region with an optical depth eight times greater than previously reported. Seasonal effects are indicated. The methane column abundance is 5 + or - 1 km-am. The mixing ratio of methane to hydrogen within the deep unsaturated region of the planet is 0.045 + or - 0.025, based on an H2 column abundance of 240 + or - 60 km-am (Smith, Macy, and Pilcher /1980/), thus indicating that methane comprises between one-sixth and one-half of the planet's mass. However, proper reevaluation of H2 quadrupole features accounting for the haze reported here may significantly reduce the relative methane abundance.

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