Evidence for CO in Jupiter's atmosphere from Airborne spectroscopic observations at 5 microns

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155873· OSTI ID:5034774

Larson, H P; Fink, U; Treffers, R R

High-altitude (12.4 km) spectra of Jupiter recorded at the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are analyzed for the presence of CO absorption lines. A line-by-line comparison of Jupiter's spectrum with that of carbon monoxide is presented, as well as a correlation analysis that includes the influence of other gases present in Jupiter's atmosphere (CH/sub 4/, NH/sub 3/, H/sub 2/O, PH/sub 3/, and GeH/sub 4/). The resulting evidence points strongly to the presence of carbon monoxide in Jupiter's atmosphere, thus strengthening Beer's evidence for it. Possible explanations for the existence and observability of Jovian CO, including convection from hotter, deeper layers or decomposition of organic molecules, are explored. A recent suggestion that the Jovian CO is restricted to stratospheric levels is not supported by our observations.

• Research Organization: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona
• OSTI ID: 5034774
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 219:3; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABUNDANCE
ATMOSPHERES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONVECTION
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
INFRARED SPECTRA
JUPITER PLANET
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETS
SPECTRA