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Kuiper, G. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Kuiper, G. P..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

The new Martian nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union

A new nomenclature for Martian regions and topographic features uncovered by Mariner 9, as officially adopted by the International Astronomical Union, is described. About 180 craters generally of diameters greater than 100 km have been named, as well as 13 classes of topographic features designated catena, chasma, dorsum, fossa, labyrinthus, mensa, mons, patera, planitia, planum, tholus, vallis, and vastitas. In addition seven craters and the Kepler Dorsum are named on Phobos, and two craters on Deimos. Coordinates and maps of each named feature are displayed.

De Vaucouleurs, G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

On the origin of the solar system. I

The empirical information on protostars is reviewed. 'Globules' are described, found to have the typical range of stellar masses and with gaseous compositions now well known thanks largely to radio astronomy. They also contain particulate matter identified as silicates, ice, and probably graphite and other carbon compounds. Current knowledge of the degree of stability of the planetary orbits over the past 4.5 b.y. is summarized. The statistics on the frequency and masses of asteroids and information on the Kirkwood gaps, both empirical and theoretical, are cited. An analogous discussion is made for the Rings of Saturn, including its extension observed in 1966 to the fourth Saturn satellite, Dione. The three main classes of meteorites - irons, stones, and carbonaceous chondrites - all appear to be of asteroidal origin and they yield the most direct evidence on the early thermal history of the solar system. The author sees in this evidence definite confirmation of the cold origin of the planetary system, followed by a hot phase due to the evolving sun that caused the dissolution of the solar nebula.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Infrared site testing of Mt. Lemmon and Catalina Observatory

The operation and problems involved with two sky noise meters installed in the Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona are discussed. The instruments were installed at two different locations on Mt. Lemon. It was found that when photometric conditions prevailed, a positive correlation existed between the outputs of the two instruments. In particular, the strongdiurnal effect, in which the sky noise increases abruptly at sunrise and falls markedly after sunset, was reproduced by both instruments. Discrepancies in data recorded by the two instruments are analyzed and possible causes for the discrepancies are proposed.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Interpretation of the Jupiter red spot. I.

The LPL research programs on Jupiter include continuing photographic coverage of the planet in color and in several wavelength bands; IR image scans especially around 5 microns; medium and high-resolution spectral studies in the photographic and the lead-sulfide regions, with laboratory comparisons; photometric and polarimetric studies; far-IR measurements at high altitudes; chemical studies designed to match formation of Jovian cloud particles; and participation in the NASA Pioneer missions. Some preliminary interpretative remarks are given which are in part suggested by the remarkable IR spectra and IR images of the earth and Mars obtained at NASA-Goddard. This leads to a discussion of the Red Spot and the White Ovals.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Comments on the Galilean satellites

The surface deposits of the Galilean satellites, especially Io, are examined in the light of some early and some very recent observations. Io, with probably a thin sulfur deposit in the lower latitudes and orange polar caps presumably composed of sulfur compounds, stands apart from the other three satellites.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

High resolution planetary observation

High-resolution ground-based planetary observations, visual and photographic, have, for several decades, seemed to have reached a rather firm limit. The causes for this restriction are briefly reviewed. At the time when space probes make major advances possible, at incomparably higher levels of expenditure, the need arises to re-examine the limiting factors of earth-based planetary resolution. In addition to familiar refinements (of which seven are listed) carried somewhat further, a specific approach, yet insufficiently developed, is the study of the atmospheric boundary layer over the observatory site and the use of an appropriately elevated station.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Water-vapor measures, Mt. Lemmon area

Daytime atmospheric water-vapor measures were continued for Mt. Lemmon, the Catalina Observatory, and Tucson. As before (LPL Comm. No. 158), the three sets are closely related in terms of their altitude differences, with the average empirically-determined scale-height value, 2.3 km. During the winter and spring of 1971 observations were made for more than 90% of the days. The measures are listed in tables and for comparison, the 1969-70 data published in LPL Communication No. 158 are given. The averages for the stations are also shown.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Communications of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory: Communications nos. 173-183, volume 9, part 5

Short discussions are presented on: (1) multicolor photography of Jupiter; (2) narrow band photography of Jupiter and Saturn; (3) photographic observations of the occulation of Beta Scorpii by Jupiter; (4) development of the June 1971 South Equatorial Belt Disturbance on Jupiter; (5) rotation period for subsurface source in the NNTeB of Jupiter; (6) correlation between color of Jovian clouds and their 5 micron temperatures; (7) and observations of Jupiter's North North Temperature Belt Current B.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Interpretation of the Jupiter Red Spot, 1

With the aid of 8900 micron CH4 filter photographs it is shown that the Red Spot is normally the highest cloud feature in the Jovian atmosphere, located squarely on the South Tropical Zone at 22 deg. S. The Red Spot is a rising column, obviously having its own energy source; it spreads outward at the top level, in anticyclonic rotation. It is concluded that the large and persistent Jovian cloud masses, of which the Red Spot is the largest, are major organized storm arrays embedded in a near stagnant atmosphere, each probably possessing numerous short-lived rising hot columns driven by released latent heat; and covered by a horizontally-expanding gigantic cirrus cloud system, in anti-cyclonic rotation. The meteorological theory of Organized Cumulus Convection is applied to the Red Spot and the White Ovals. Evidence exists that the array of hot towers under the Red Spot is eccentric. The 90-day and the occassional 5-8 year fluctuations in the motion of the Red Spot may be due to processes analogous to those found in the Earth's Tropical Convergence. The 90-day oscillation has been observed for 8 years.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Discourse following award of Kepler Gold Medal

Kuiper briefly reviews Kepler's contributions to the field of planetary astronomy and physics, along with references to his own background in the study of stars, planets, and the solar system. He mentions his participation in NASA programs related to planetary astronomy. He concludes his remarks with thanks for being honored by the award of the Kepler Gold Medal.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Water-vapor measures - Mt. Lemmon area

Daytime atmospheric water-vapor measures were continued for Mt. Lemmon, the Catalina Observatory, and Tucson. As before (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory Communications, No. 158), the three sets are closely related in terms of their altitude differences, with the average empirically-determined scale-height value, 2.3 km. During the winter and spring of 1971 observations were made for more than 90% of the days. The measures are tabulated and reduced to Mt. Lemmon. The calibration was continued to higher values by means of atmospheric radiosonde data.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus.

Infrared spectra of Venus produced by a Fourier spectrometer flown aboard the NASA CV 990 jet aircraft were analyzed for water-vapor content by comparison with calculated model spectra. The reflecting layer model gave an abundance of 1.6 plus or minus 0.4 micron of precipitable water for the two-way transmission of the Venus atmosphere. The scattering model resulted in a value of 0.25 plus or minus 0.10 micron of water per scattering mean free path. Neither is regarded as a definitive model, but derived mixing ratios will not be significantly in error. An abundance of CO2 using a number of bands, was determined for both models. The volume mixing ratios of H2O to CO2 obtained were 0.0000006 and 0.000001 for the reflecting layer and scattering model, respectively.

Fink, U.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar and Planetary Laboratory studies of Jupiter. II.

Discussion of Jovian belts, zones and atmospheric features as identified by an analysis of photographs of the planet at the Laboratory. The topics include the circulation of the Jovian atmosphere, the rotation periods of zones and belts, the Great Red Spot shown by methane photographs, and some high altitude photographs of terrestrial atmospheric conditions. Hypothetical mechanisms controlling the atmospheric conditions on Jupiter are considered.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Comets: Scientific data and missions; Proceedings of the Tucson Comet Conference, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., April 8, 9, 1970.

Current knowledge of comets is surveyed, and comet-rendezvous mission constraints, opportunities, modes, and spacecraft capabilities are discussed. Attention is given to cometary nuclei, infrared measurements of comets, the nature and origin of the cometary head, L-alpha photometry of Comet Bennett, Types I and II tails, comet spectra and orbits, and evidence from stream meteoroids. Some scientific criteria for a cometary mission are considered. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Kuiper, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Arizona-NASA Atlas of the Infrared Solar Spectrum. X.

Second and last set of the B-spectrometer records, concluding the series of the Arizona-NASA Infrared Solar Spectrum Atlas. The value of the presented series lies primarily in serving as reference to high-altitude planetary spectra taken with similar resolution, 6-10,000. The wavelength interval covered is 13350-34100 A.

Benner, D. C.↗