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Terrile, R. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Terrile, R. J..

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Rotational Properties of Uranus and Neptune

An assessment of recent research bearing on the rotational properties of Uranus and Neptune is given. It is concluded that these properties are best described by the following estimates; URANUS: Direction of pole = alpha (1950) = 256:72 delta (1950) = -15:04 with an absolute uncertainty of about 0:2, Period = 15 to 17 hours; Sense of spin = Retrograde; NEPTUNE: alpha (1950) = 297:8; delta (1950) = + 41:2, with an uncertainty of about 4 degrees towards the pole of Triton's orbit, Period = 18.2 + or - 0.4 hours, Sense of spin = Prograde. There is a clear signature of large scale, zonal, atmospheric flows in observations of the atmosphere of Neptune. Wind velocities are at least as great as 109 m.sec-1. There is no evidence pro or con for atmospheric motions in the Uranus case.

Belton, M. J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Short time-scale surface changes on Io

Imaging data from the Voyager 1 and 2 encounters with the Jupiter system provide a data set for the examination of short time-scale variations of surface features on Io. Clear evidence exists for variations near the known eruption sites and for other areas which appeared to have erupted between the encounters. Regions outside the known active eruption sites were examined in order to look for variations in the surface scattering properties which is due to undetected small-scale volcanic activity. The phase functions of many areas are intercompared in order to look for regions with phase functions outside the normal range for satellite surface properties. Areas with unusual scattering properties are related to small-scale eruptions of gas or particles. Determination of the distribution of these areas has strong implications for the resurfacing rates for Io.

Terrile, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Kinematics of Saturn's spokes

Voyager 2 images of Saturn's rings have been analyzed for spoke activity. More than 80 and 40 different spokes have been measured at the morning and at the evening ansa, respectively. Higher rate of spoke formation has been found at 145 + or 15 deg SLS and at 305 + or - 15 deg SLS which persisted for at least 3 Saturn revolutions. Higher spoke activity (formation and growth in width) by more than a factor 3 has been observed over the nightside hemisphere of Saturn than over the dayside hemisphere. The age distribution (i.e., time from radial formation until observation, assuming Keplerian shear) of the leading (old) edges of spokes has its maximum at approximately 9,000 s and 6,000 s for spokes observed at the morning ansa and at the evening ansa, respectively. The highest spoke age observed is approximately 20,000 s.

Gruen, E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Atlas of Saturn's rings

A preliminary summary is made from a compilation of Voyager Saturn ring data. The data base includes optical thickness radial profiles at 3.6 and 13.6 cm radio wavelength measurements, 1300 and 2640 A occultations of delta Sco, albedos in the 3000-6000 A range, time and azimuthal resolved albedo profiles, particle impacts in the G ring, and number densities of magnetospheric charged particles. Sample data tracks are provided for the A, C, and D rings and the Cassini division. Finally, the trajectory of the Voyager 2 pass through the ring system is plotted.

Collins, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Eccentric ringlet in the Maxwell gap at 1.45 Saturn radii Multi-instrument Voyager observations

The results of Voyager experiments to characterize the eccentric ringlet at 1.45 Saturn radius are discussed. The Voyager I carried out microwave occultation trials with a dual-frequency transmitter, while Voyager 2 observed the occultation of delta Scorpii using an UV spectrometer and a photopolarimeter. The ringlet was associated with a basically empty region next to an edge of the C ring which decreased to a few hundred meters thickness. The width of the ringlet in the gap was estimated to vary from 38-88 km, and it maintains an elliptical shape. It precesses within the 265 km gap it occupies, and has a double-peaked core 15 km wide. The bulk of the ringlet is particles of less than 1 cm radius.

Esposito, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The evolution of spokes in Saturn's B ring

Three types of Saturnian ring spoke structure have been observed which are distinguished by their optical appearance. Extended spokes are found inside the corotation radius. They are of irregular shape, with diffuse edges, but often narrowed at large distances. Their width at the base is typically 20,000 km, and their radial extent is 8000 km. The random velocity of their particles is about 2 m/s, and the total kinetic energy of their random velocity component is about 20 billion J. Narrow spokes are observed to cross the corotation distance and are characterized by high-contrast edges. Their number of particles and total energy content are about 10 percent of the values for extended spokes. Filamentary spokes are observed outside approximately 110,000 km and are usually connected to narrow or extended spokes further in. Their width is typically 500 km and their length is about 3000 km. Their number of particles and total energy content are about 0.5 percent of those of an extended spoke.

Gruen, E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ground-based observations of the Jovian ring and inner satellites

Ground-based 0.9-micron observations of the Jovian ring and inner satellites are reported. The ring observations substantially confirm those obtained by the Voyager spacecraft. The first ground-based detection of 1979J2 suggests a geometric albedo of about 0.10 and a new value for its orbit period of 16 hr 11 min 23.5 + or - 0.5 sec.

Jewitt, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Volcanic eruptions on Io

Nine eruption plumes which were observed during the Voyager 1 encounter with Io are discussed. During the Voyager 2 encounter, four months later, eight of the eruptions were still active although the largest became inactive sometime between the two encounters. Plumes range in height from 60 to over 300 km with corresponding ejection velocities of 0.5 to 1.0 km/s and plume sources are located on several plains and consist of fissures or calderas. The shape and brightness distribution together with the pattern of the surface deposition on a plume 3 is simulated by a ballistic model with a constant ejection velocity of 0.5 km/s and ejection angles which vary from 0-55 deg. The distribution of active and recent eruptions is concentrated in the equatorial regions and indicates that volcanic activity is more frequent and intense in the equatorial regions than in the polar regions. Due to the geologic setting of certain plume sources and large reservoirs of volatiles required for the active eruptions, it is concluded that sulfur volcanism rather than silicate volcanism is the most likely driving mechanism for the eruption plumes.

Strom, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Colors on Jupiter

The colors present in the clouds of Jupiter at the time of the Voyager encounters are described as they appear in high resolution images. It is shown that latitude, altitude and dwelltime are all critical factors in determining which colors appear where, although the identities of the responsible chromophores remain unestablished. Simultaneous ground-based 5 micron observations are used to determine the relative altitudes of the cloud systems which are characterized as white clouds, tawny clouds, dark brown cloud belts, and blue-grey hot spots in equatorial regions. Correlations between cloud color and certain latitudes have been maintained for decades, which suggests the importance of the internal energy source.

Owen, T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Images of Jupiter from the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 Infrared Radiometers - A comparison with visible and 5-micron images

The images with geometric control which present Pioneer 10 and 11 Infrared Radiometer data aquired at Jupiter are compared with 5.0-micron and visible images taken in the same time frame. It is found that (1) at 5.0, 20 and 45 microns, the association of dark and light areas with warm and cool areas, respectively, extends to nearly all features observed on the planet; (2) where the normal association of light and dark visible markings with the zone velocity breaks down, the infrared emission seems to follow the visible cloud structure rather than the zonal velocity structure; and (3) exceptions to the general rule involve 20-micron radiation, which reflects conditions in the 0.1-0.3 bar altitude range. A comparison of Pioneer 10 and 11 images suggests that the South Equatorial Belt became brighter at 20 microns, yet remained constant at other wavelengths between the two encounters.

Orton, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Spectra of the Jovian ring and Amalthea

Measurements made between 0.887 and 2.4 microns demonstrate that the Jovian ring and Amalthea have similar reflection spectra. The spectra, in particular the ratio of the 0.9- to 2.2-micron reflectivities, are inconsistent with those expected from water, ammonia, or methane frosts, but are consistent with reflection from large rock bodies.

Neugebauer, G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Jupiter's cloud distribution between the Voyager 1 and 2 encounters - Results from 5-micrometer imaging

As part of a continuing effort of ground-based support for Voyager target selection, infrared images in the 5-micrometer wavelength region were acquired in preparation for the Voyager 2 flyby of Jupiter. Observations were made during May 1979 from the Palomar 5-meter telescope and the new 3-meter NASA Infrared Telescope Facility at Mauna Kea and are compared to previous observations. Variations seen in the 5-micrometer flux distribution suggest global patterns of clouding over of some Jovian belts and clearing of others. These data were used to predict the Jovian cloud distribution at the time of the Voyager 2 encounter in order to target the imaging and infrared experiments to areas free of high obscuring clouds.

Terrile, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Volcanic features of Io

The various volcanic landforms observed on Io by Voyager 1 are described and compared with similar features on earth. Ionian calderas, observed to cover 5% of the surface, are generally found to be of low relief, similar to certain terrestrial calderas. Flow patterns observed include dark, linear markings with lobate margins resembling terrestrial lava flows, bright lobate markings originating at calderas, and a bright flow feature surrounding the calderas. Positive relief features associated with volcanic structures include pancake-like constructions similar to low volcanic cones, sheet-like structures, rugged mountains, and a type of surface upheaval. Bright and dark diffuse markings have also been found. The implications of the high rates of volcanic activity and the apparent abundance of sulfur on Io for the type of volcanism observed are discussed, and it is concluded that while there are strong arguments for sulfur flows on the surface of Io, silicate volcanism of the type observed on earth may also occur.

Carr, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Volcanic eruption plumes on Io

Preliminary analyses of the eight volcanic eruption plumes detected on Io by Voyager 1 are presented. Plumes were observed on the bright and dark limbs of the satellite corresponding to half of the surface and range from 10,000 to 75 km in width and 280 to 70 km in height. Most plumes were observed to be umbrella-shaped, however one consists of a very diffuse cloud lacking columnar fountain characteristics. Plume sources are characterized by a dark central area, surrounded by a bright ring, which in turn is surrounded by a broad, diffuse region; the presence of similar markings in regions not observed at the limb indicates additional volcanic activity on Io. No changes were detected in the sizes or intensities of the eruptions over the 6.5-day viewing period, however a change in the appearance of a region near one plume suggests a short-lived eruption between observations. Seven of the eight plumes are located within 30 deg of the equator, implying that equatorial surfaces are generally younger than those in the polar regions.

Strom, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Zonal velocity and texture in the Jovian atmosphere inferred from Voyager images

Smith et al. (1970) have described Jupiter's changing appearance at resolutions down to 10 km over intervals as small as 1 h. Examples of small-scale convection, rapid variations of features, and complex interactions of closed vortices were given. In the present paper, these results are extended to include measurements of the latitudinal profile of zonal (eastward) velocity, from which the absolute vorticity gradient is estimated. Also, a classification scheme based on texture (i.e., the patterns of small features visible at resolutions of 100 km or better) is proposed.

Ingersoll, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Jovian cloud structure and velocity fields

A global view of Jovian small-scale morphologies and zonal velocity profiles has been discussed previously. In the present paper, a regional comparison is made of the structures and velocity fields (meridional and zonal velocities) in the Jovian atmosphere as observed by Voyager I imaging system. The cloud structures discussed are fairly independent of the visual wavelength. The analysis shows that although both Jovian hemispheres exhibit similar patterns of diminishing and alternating eastward and westward jets as one progresses polewards, there is a pronounced asymmetry in the structural appearance of the two hemispheres.

Mitchell, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Summary of historical data - Interpretation of the Pioneer and Voyager cloud configurations in a time-dependent framework

Ground-based imaging of Jupiter at visible and infrared wavelengths has been used to build up a time sequence of cloud feature variations. The global cloud configuration seen by Voyager 1 appears markedly different than that seen by Pioneer 10 and 11. In the context of historical data, these two different cloud distributions are not unique but part of a continuous spectrum of global variations. The most recent global changes occurred in a pattern which has been a characteristic trend observed many times before.

Terrile, R. J.↗