The rotation period of Neptune

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (25) References (5) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The rotation period of Neptune. Slavsky, D. ; Smith, H. J. Abstract Photometric observations of Neptune with a highly accurate doubly differential photometer, two filters centered in the 6190-A band of methane, and two immediately adjacent continuum filters centered at 5993 and 6332 A are reported which were performed in the interval from March 29 to August 8, 1977. The principal rotation period of at least a major methane albedo feature of Neptune's deeper atmosphere is found to be 18.44 + or - 0.01 (est. error) hr, assuming that such features are stable in longitude over weeks or months. The result obtained is compared with previous determinations, and reasons for a discrepancy between the present and a previous photometric period are considered. It is suggested that the period of 18.44 hr is likely to be quite close to that of the main body of Neptune. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1978 DOI: 10.1086/182828 Bibcode: 1978ApJ...226L..49S Keywords: Astronomical Photometry; Neptune (Planet); Planetary Rotation; Light Curve; Methane; Molecular Spectra; Planetary Atmospheres; Power Spectra; ROTATION; NEPTUNE; PHOTOMETRY; ATMOSPHERE; METHANE; LONGITUDE; OBSERVATIONS; SPECTRUM; WAVELENGTHS; PERIOD; Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Neptune; Neptune:Rotation full text sources ADS |