Variability of Lyman-alpha emission from Jupiter

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (14) References (13) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Variability of Lyman-alpha emission from Jupiter. Cochran, W. D. ; Barker, E. S. Abstract The Jovian Lyman-alpha emission line was reobserved in 1978 March using the high-resolution spectrometer of the Copernicus satellite. An intensity of 8.3 plus or minus 2.9 kilorayleighs was measured. This value represents a significant increase in intensity over previous (1976) Copernicus observations, but is lower than the recent (1979) values obtained by Voyager 1 and IUE. The increase in intensity has been accompanied by a significant increase in line width giving strong support to the theory that the emission results from resonant scattering of the solar Lyman-alpha line by H atoms in the upper Jovian atmossphere. The strength of Jovian Lyman-alpha emission correlates well with the level of solar activity. The solar extreme ultraviolet radiation varies with the solar cycle. This radiation causes the dissociation of H2 and CH4 into H atoms in the Jovian atmosphere. Therefore, in times of high solar activity, the H column density will increase, causing the observed strong Jovian Lyman-alpha emission. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: December 1979 DOI: 10.1086/183128 Bibcode: 1979ApJ...234L.151C Keywords: Emission Spectra; Jupiter Atmosphere; Lyman Alpha Radiation; Planetary Radiation; Hydrogen Atoms; Line Spectra; Solar Activity Effects; Ultraviolet Astronomy; JUPITER; EMISSION; LYMAN-ALPHA RADIATION; SPECTROMETER; OAO 3; ATMOSPHERE; HYDROGEN; ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION; SPECTRUM; SOLAR ACTIVITY; DISSOCIATION; METHANE; COMPARISONS; EQUIPMENT; DOPPLER EFFECT; DATA; TECHNIQUES; OBSERVATIONS; DATA REDUCTION; INTENSITY; SCATTERING; DENSITY; MODELS; MESOPAUSE; THERMOSPHERE; Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Jupiter; Jupiter Atmosphere:Lyman Alpha; Jupiter Atmosphere:Solar Activity full text sources ADS | data products MAST (1)