Jupiter's atmospheric composition from the Cassini thermal infrared spectroscopy experiment

Science. 2004 Sep 10;305(5690):1582-6. doi: 10.1126/science.1100240. Epub 2004 Aug 19.

Abstract

The Composite Infrared Spectrometer observed Jupiter in the thermal infrared during the swing-by of the Cassini spacecraft. Results include the detection of two new stratospheric species, the methyl radical and diacetylene, gaseous species present in the north and south auroral infrared hot spots; determination of the variations with latitude of acetylene and ethane, the latter a tracer of atmospheric motion; observations of unexpected spatial distributions of carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide, both considered to be products of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts; characterization of the morphology of the auroral infrared hot spot acetylene emission; and a new evaluation of the energetics of the northern auroral infrared hot spot.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylene
  • Atmosphere
  • Carbon Dioxide*
  • Ethane
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Hydrocarbons*
  • Hydrogen Cyanide*
  • Jupiter*
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Hydrogen Cyanide
  • Ethane
  • Acetylene