Abstract
We have performed high-resolution spectral observations at mid-infrared
wavelengths of CH4(8.14 μm),
C2H6(12.16 μm), and
C2H2(13.45 μm) on Jupiter. These emission
features probe the stratosphere of the planet and provide information on
the carbon-based photochemical processes taking place in that region of
the atmosphere. The observations were performed using our cryogenic
echelle spectrometer CELESTE, in conjunction with the McMath-Pierce
1.5-m solar telescope between November 1994 and February 1995. We used
the methane observations to derive the temperature profile of the jovian
atmosphere in the 1-10 mbar region of the stratosphere. This profile was
then used in conjunction with height-dependent mixing ratios of each
hydrocarbon to determine global abundances for ethane and acetylene. The
resulting mixing ratios are 3.9+1.9-1.3×
10-6for C2H6(5 mbar pressure level),
and 2.3 ± 0.5 × 10-8for
C2H2(8 mbar pressure level), where the quoted
uncertainties are derived from model variations in the temperature
profile which match the methane observation uncertainties.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 192-201 |
Journal | Icarus |
Volume | 136 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |