Abstract
Spectroscopic observations of Jupiter at thermal-infrared wavelengths
were performed on November 8-9 and December 14, 1994, 16 and 21 weeks
after the fragments of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter.
Residual stratospheric ammonia was searched for in emission at 930.76
cm-1over the longitudes corresponding to the remnants of the
D/G/R/S impact sites. We believe a small amount of ammonia may have been
detected in November, but report an upper limit for both dates. The
constant volume mixing ratio for pressure levels less than 10 mbar that
best fits the observation on November 8 is no more than 3.6 ± 2.4
× 10-10. This upper limit decreased to ≤2.3 ±
3.0 × 10-10on December 14. These values are equivalent
to upper limits of 1.9 ± 1.2 × 10-10on November
8 and ≤1.2 ± 1.5 × 10-10on December 14 if we
adopt a constant volume mixing ratio above a base at 100 mbar. We also
searched, without success, for stratospheric ammonia on November 9 over
the K/W and L impact site remnants. Our upper limits place stronger
constraints on the stratospheric ammonia lifetimes and photochemical
depletion models.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 49-56 |
Journal | Icarus |
Volume | 130 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |