The spectral characteristics and probable structure of the cloud layer of Saturn

Abstract

Spectrophotometric (photographic and photoelectric) measurements of the intensity of CH4 absorption bands at 6190 and 7250 Å over different regions of Saturn's disk show an increase in intensity toward the poles and a decrease toward the equatorial limb. In the bright equatorial belt of Saturn the methane absorption is about 25–28% less than in the south temperate belt (latitude about −20°).Absolute photoelectric spectrophotometry of Saturn's disk gives a value for the single-scattering albedo of the aerosol particles at λ 6200–6500 Å at the center of the disk. Calculations of the curves of growth for the absorption lines formed in the thin gas and in the cloud layer were made and the comparison with observations of Jupiter and Saturn lead to the mean value of the volume scattering coefficient of the aerosol layer σa < 5 × 10−6 cm−1. In the equatorial region of Saturn σa is larger than in the temperate region by a factor 1.3 to 1.8.The models of Saturn's atmosphere that fit well the observational data preclude the condensation of methane. An aerosol layer of ammonia is more probable in the atmosphere of Saturn. Calculations of the distribution of the ammonia aerosol volume density (Qa) give Qa ≃ 10−9 to 10−7 gm/cm3 for relative abundances of ammonia A = 10−6 to 10−4. Observational estimates of Qa derived from the values of σa give Qa < 10−9 gm/cm3. Apparently Saturn's atmosphere departs from conditions of ordinary convection.Some very interesting variations in the spectral reflectivity of the different regions of Saturn are observed, especially in the ultraviolet. These data, as well as a systematic study of the methane absorptions in the near infrared strong bands are needed in future studies of Saturn's atmosphere.