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Observations from earth orbit and variability of the polar aurora on Jupiter

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183386· OSTI ID:6981678
Spatially resolved spectra of Jupiter taken with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite show enhanced emissions from the polar regions at H L..cap alpha.. (1216 A) and in the Lyman and Werner bands of H/sub 2/ (1175--1650 A). Two types of variability in emission brightness have observed in these aurorae: an increase in the observed emission as the auroral oval rotates with Jupiter's magnetic pole to face toward the Earth and a general variation in brightness of more than an order of magntiude under nearly identical observing conditions. In addition, the spectral character of these aurorae (determined by the ratio of H L..cap alpha.. to H/sub 2/ brightnesses) appears variable, indicating that the depth of penetration of the auroral particles is not constant.
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, Johns Hopkins University
OSTI ID:
6981678
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 241:3; ISSN AJLEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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