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Millimeter/submillimeter fourier transform spectroscopy of Jovian planet atmospheres

Citation

Weisstein, Eric W. (1996) Millimeter/submillimeter fourier transform spectroscopy of Jovian planet atmospheres. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/R90F-8A53. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02062013-163011023

Abstract

A new Fourier transform spectrometer, built for use at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, has been used to observe all four of the jovian planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) in the millimeter-submillimeter wavelength range (0.3- 3.0 mm). The observations have resulted in the detection of the PH_3 1 - 0 rotational line (266.9 GHz) in Saturn. and the PH_3 3 - 2 ( 800.5 GHz) line in both Jupiter and Saturn. Because PH_3 is a disequilibrium species, it is an important tracer of vertical mixing and upper atmospheric photochemistry, and can therefore be used to derive dynamical and chemical properties of the jovian atmospheres. A jovian planet radiative transfer code has been used to model the observed PH_3 lineshapes. Using the FTS, a spectral line survey covering the entire range of submillimeter frequencies observable from the ground has also been performed on Jupiter at Saturn at a resolution of 200 MHz. This survey has yielded the tentative detection of HCl (and possibly HCN) in Saturn and, again with the aid of radiative transfer modeling, provided a great number of improved upper limits on the concentrations of many other species. Finally, Uranus and Neptune have been observed in the 1300 µm atmospheric window which contains the CO 2 - 1 transition. This line was not detected in either planet, placing upper limits on the tropospheric CO mole fraction of 0.5 ppm in Uranus and 1.4 ppm in Neptune.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Planetary Science and Physics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Planetary Sciences
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Muhleman, Duane Owen
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:5 December 1995
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:02062013-163011023
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02062013-163011023
DOI:10.7907/R90F-8A53
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7467
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:INVALID USER
Deposited On:07 Feb 2013 00:47
Last Modified:21 Dec 2019 04:39

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