Observations and Electron Density Retrievals of Jupiter's Discrete Auroral Arcs Using the Juno Microwave Radiometer

Abstract

AbstractJupiter's aurorae reflect microwave radiation emitted upward from Jupiter's atmosphere and downward from the cold sky above due to regions in the auroral plasma with increased electron densities. The lack of thermal radiation from the atmosphere was observed by Juno's Microwave Radiometer (MWR) on overflights of the aurorae during seven different orbits. Out of Juno's first 21 orbits, seven orbits inferred enhanced electron densities in Jupiter's auroral arcs. The most profound disruption in microwave emission was observed during Perijove 5. This perijove demonstrated the most significant cold spot for Channel 1 (0.6 GHz), with cold spots also present in Channels 2 (1.25 GHz) and 3 (2.6 GHz) in a location where the influence of Jupiter's moon, Io, likely increased the electron density in Jupiter's aurora. The maximum electron densities retrieved from Channel 1 are on the order of 3 × 109 cm−3, and in the presence of the Io flux tube, electron densities could reach 1010 cm−3 affecting Channels 2 and 3.