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

Journal article

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.

Authors: Kunde, V; Flasar, F; Jennings, D; Bézard, B; Strobel, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)
• Volume: 305
• Issue: 5690
• Pages: 1582-1586
• Publication date: 2004-09-01
• DOI: 10.1126/science.1100240
• EISSN: 1095-9203
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ethane; Spectrum Analysis; Carbon Dioxide; Temperature; Spacecraft; Atmosphere; Hydrogen Cyanide; Acetylene; Jupiter; Hydrocarbons; Extraterrestrial Environment