High spatial and spectral resolution 10-μm observations of jupiter

Abstract

Ten-micrometer spectra of the North Tropical Zone, North Equatorial Belt, and Great Red Spot at a spectral resolution of 1.1 cm −1 are compared to synthetic spectra. These ground-based spectra were obtained simultaneously with the Voyager 1 encounter with Jupiter in March, 1979. The NH 3 vertical distribution is found to decrease with altitude significantly faster than the saturated vapor pressure curve and is different for the three observed regions. Spatial variability in the NH 3 mixing ratio could be caused by changes in the amount of NH 3 condensation or in the degree of the NH 3 photolysis. The C 2H 6 emission at 12 μm has approximately the same strength at the North Tropical Zone and North Equatorial Belt, but it is 30% weaker at the Great Red Spot. A cooler temperature inversion or a smaller abundance of C 2H 6 could explain the lower C 2H 6 emission over the Great Red Spot.