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At least 199 records · Page 11

Formation of ordinary chondrites.

Most of the chemical and mineralogical properties of the ordinary chondrites were established by processes that occurred in the solar nebula during a short time span near the time of formation of the solar system. Four separate and distinct fractionation events appear to have been involved in their formation from more primitive material of mean solar-system composition. In order of occurrence these were a refractory-element fractionation, a siderophilic-element fractionation, a fractionation of slightly volatile elements, and a fractionation of highly volatile elements. In each of the four cases the most plausible fractionation mechanism involves a separation of gases from solids. The ambient temperature in the planetary portion of the solar nebula during the formation of these chondrites appears to have been characterized by two maximums.

Wasson, J. T.↗

Jupiter's radiation belts and upper atmosphere

Models of Jupiter's radiation belts have been constructed to determine the distribution of particles and their energies which will produce the observed decimetric radio emission. Data on the spectrum and the variation of emission with Jovian longitude have been used to show that the relativistic particles have a nearly isotropic distribution with high energies (of order 100 MeV) within 2 Jovian radii and a very flat distribution in the equatorial plane of low energy particles further out in the magnetosphere. Subtraction of the emission predicted by this model from the total radio emission shows that the thermal contribution in the frequency range between 3000 and 10,000 MHz is somewhat less than had been previously expected. (The brightness temperature of the planetary disk is 180 K at 3,000 MHz, for example.) This suggests that the ammonia mixing ratio in Jupiter's upper atmosphere may be as high as 0.002.

Degioanni, J. J.↗

In search of other planetary systems

Numerous recent developments have led to an increasing awareness of and interest in the detection of other planetary systems. A brief review of the modern history of this subject is presented with emphasis on the status of data concerning Barnard's star. A discussion is given of plausible observable effects of other planetary systems with numerical examples to indicate the nature of the detection problem. Possible types of information (in addition to discovery) that observations of these effects might yield (e.g., planetary mass and temperature) are outlined. Also discussed are various candidate detection techniques (e.g., astrometric observations) which might be employed to conduct a search, the current state-of-the art of these techniques in terms of measurement accuracy, and the capability of existing or planned facilities (e.g., space telescope) to perform a search. Finally, consideration is given to possible search strategies and the scope of a comprehensive search program.

Black, D. C.↗

Infrared observations from the NASA Airborne Observatories

The results of observations made aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, with its 91-cm telescope and the Lear Jet with its 30-cm system, are summarized, and instrumental advances accomplished for NASA aircraft facilities are described. Information has been obtained about the ring brightness of Saturn, a new broadband feature in carbon stars and two planetary nebulae, the temperature of dust globules, rotational transitions of CO in the Kleinmann-Low nebula, and far infrared emission from a quasar. Improvements in the minimum signals reported for photometry and spectrometry are described, and possibilities for improvements in the polarization, time resolution measurements, and in angular limitations are addressed.

Harwit, M.↗

On the Size of the Antarctic Ozone Hole

The Antarctic ozone hole is a region of extremely large ozone depletion that is roughly centered over the South Pole. Since 1979, the area coverage of the ozone hole has grown from near zero size to over 24 Million sq km. In the 8-year period from 1981 to 1989, the area expanded by 18 Million sq km. During the last 5 years, the hole has been observed to exceed 25 Million sq km over brief periods. In the spring of 2002, the size of the ozone hole barely reached 20 Million sq km for only a couple of days. We will review these size observations, the size trends, and the interannual variability of the size. The area is derived from the area enclosed by the 220 DU total ozone contour. We will discuss the rationale for the choice of 220 DU: 1) it is located near the steep gradient between southern mid-latitudes and the polar region, and 2) 220 DU is a value that is lower than the pre-1979 ozone observations over Antarctica during the spring period. The phenomenal growth of the ozone hole was directly caused by the increases of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere. In this talk, we will show the relationship of the ozone hole's size to the interannual variability of Antarctic spring temperatures. In addition, we will show the relationship of these same temperatures to planetary-scale wave forcings.

Newman, Paul A.↗

What Controls the Size of the Antarctic Ozone Hole?

The Antarctic ozone hole is a region of extremely large ozone depletion that is roughly centered over the South Pole. Since 1979, the area coverage of the ozone hole has grown from near zero size to over 24 Million square kilometers. In the 8-year period from 1981 to 1989, the area expanded by 18 Million square kilometers. During the last 5 years, the hole has been observed to exceed 25 Million square kilometers over brief periods. We will review these size observations, the size trends, and the interannual variability of the size. The area is derived from the area enclosed by the 220 DU total ozone contour. We will discuss the rationale for the choice of 220 DU: 1) it is located near the steep gradient between southern mid-latitudes and the polar region, and 2) 220 DU is a value that is lower than the pre- 1979 ozone observations over Antarctica during the spring period. The phenomenal growth of the ozone hole was directly caused by the increases of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere. In this talk, we will show the relationship of the ozone hole's size to the interannual variability of Antarctic spring temperatures. In addition, we will show the relationship of these same temperatures to planetary-scale wave forcings.

Bhartia, P. K.↗

Ground Based Remote Sensing of Upper Atmosphere Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Composition in Support of TIMED Satellites Scientific Mission

The following research work was accomplished: 1. We operated high throughput spectrophotometers and interferometers at eight observatories in the Arctic, Antarctic and mid-latitude regions to record relatively high-resolution spectra of very low light level airglow and auroral line as well as band emissions. 2. Our Polar observations of auroral emissions from N2 and O emissions have been analyzed to derive the O/N2 ratios around 110 km height in the Polar thermosphere during different auroral events triggered by the precipitation of auroral electrons with average energy of about 10 keV. These results have been compared with similar ratios derived from TIMED satellite s GUVI measurements of N2 LBH and 01 1356A emissions. 3. Our airglow measurements show MLT density and temperature modulations by Planetary, Tidal and Gravity Waves. They also indicate Mesopause cooling preceding a Stratospheric Warming Event (SWE).

Source record↗

Exoplanet Classification and Yield Estimates for Direct Imaging Missions

Future NASA concept missions that are currently under study, like the Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission (HabEx) and the Large Ultra-violet Optical Infra Red Surveyor (UVOIR), could discover a large diversity of exoplanets. We propose here a classification scheme that distinguishes exoplanets into different categories based on their size and incident stellar flux, for the purpose of providing the expected number of exoplanets observed (yield) with direct imaging missions. The boundaries of this classification can be computed using the known chemical behavior of gases and condensates at different pressures and temperatures in a planetary atmosphere. In this study, we initially focus on condensation curves for sphalerite ZnS, H2O, CO2, and CH4. The order in which these species condense in a planetary atmosphere define the boundaries between different classes of planets. Broadly, the planets are divided into rocky planets (0.5-1.0 solar radius), super-Earths (1.0-1.75 solar radius), sub-Neptunes (1.75-3.5 solar radius), sub-Jovians (3.5-6.0 solar radius), and Jovians (6-14.3 solar radius) based on their planet sizes, and "hot," "warm," and "cold" based on the incident stellar flux. We then calculate planet occurrence rates within these boundaries for different kinds of exoplanets, eta (sub planet) [i.e. exoplanet], using the community coordinated results of NASA's Exoplanet Program Analysis Group's Science Analysis Group-13 (SAG-13). These occurrence rate estimates are in turn used to estimate the expected exoplanet yields for direct imaging missions of different telescope diameters.

Kopparapu, Ravi Kumar↗

Changes in the Temperature of Saturn's Stratosphere from 2002 to 2004 and Direct Evidence of a Mesopause

The state of a planetary stratosphere is intricately linked to the radiation it receives from its host star. The stellar flux impinging on the the planetary stratosphere affects the temperature and chemistry occurring there. The revolution of the planet about its orbit coupled to the planets axial tilt can cause variations in the amount of flux captured by the planet at a given latitude over the period of a year even if the flux output of the star is constant. This variation of stellar flux at a given latitude during the orbit of a planet is what causes seasons. Saturn, with its axial tilt of 27 degrees, experiences seasonal forcing much like the Earth, albeit with far less solar flux and a year equal to 30 Earth years. In an attempt to measure the effect seasonal forcing has on the temperature structure of Saturn's stratosphere, we have started a long term observing program. By observing Saturn with a high-resolution mid-infrared spectrograph in the v(sub 4) band of methane, we can infer the stratospheric temperature between the pressure levels of 10 and 0.01 mbar. We present latitudinally resolved observations of Saturn's southern hemisphere from 2002 and 2004. We have analyzed the data using a line-by-line radiative transfer model and inferred stratospheric temperatures and winds. We compare the temperatures from the two observing runs and the predictions of a stratospheric seasonal climate model. The zonal winds in the southern hemisphere, between the 10 and 0.01 mbar pressure levels, will be shown and discussed.

Greathouse, Thomas K.↗

Computational design of the basic dynamical processes of the UCLA general circulation model

The 12-layer UCLA general circulation model encompassing troposphere and stratosphere (and superjacent 'sponge layer') is described. Prognostic variables are: surface pressure, horizontal velocity, temperature, water vapor and ozone in each layer, planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth, temperature, moisture and momentum discontinuities at PBL top, ground temperature and water storage, and mass of snow on ground. Selection of space finite-difference schemes for homogeneous incompressible flow, with/without a free surface, nonlinear two-dimensional nondivergent flow, enstrophy conserving schemes, momentum advection schemes, vertical and horizontal difference schemes, and time differencing schemes are discussed.

Arakawa, A.↗

ATMOSPHERES OF HOT SUPER-EARTHS

Hot super-Earths likely possess minimal atmospheres established through vapor saturation equilibrium with the ground. We solve the hydrodynamics of these tenuous atmospheres at the surface of CoRot-7b, Kepler-10b, and 55 Cnc-e, including idealized treatments of magnetic drag and ohmic dissipation. We find that atmospheric pressures remain close to their local saturation values in all cases. Despite the emergence of strongly supersonic winds which carry sublimating mass away from the substellar point, the atmospheres do not extend much beyond the day-night terminators. Ground temperatures, which determine the planetary thermal (infrared) signature, are largely unaffected by exchanges with the atmosphere and thus follow the effective irradiation pattern. Atmospheric temperatures, however, which control cloud condensation and thus albedo properties, can deviate substantially from the irradiation pattern. Magnetic drag and ohmic dissipation can also strongly impact the atmospheric behavior, depending on atmospheric composition and the planetary magnetic field strength. We conclude that hot super-Earths could exhibit interesting signatures in reflection (and possibly in emission) which would trace a combination of their ground, atmospheric, and magnetic properties.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Infrared Heterodyne Spectroscopy and its Unique Application to Planetary Studies

Since the early 1970's the infrared heterodyne technique has evolved into a powerful tool for the study of molecular constituents, temperatures, and dynamics in planetary atmospheres. Its extremely high spectral resolution (Lambda/(Delta)Lambda/>10(exp 6)) and highly accurate frequency measurement (to 1 part in 10(exp 8)) enabled the detection of nonthermal/natural lasing phenomena on Mars and Venus; direct measurements of winds on Venus, Mars, and Titan; study of mid-infrared aurorae on Jupiter; direct measurement of species abundances on Mars (ozone, isotopic CO2), hydrocarbons on Jupiter, Saturn., Neptune, and Titan, and stratospheric composition in the Earth's stratosphere (O3, CIO, N2O, CO2 ....). Fully resolved emission and absorption line shapes measured by this method enabled the unambiguous retrieval of molecular abundances and local temperatures and thermal structure in regions not probed by other techniques. The mesosphere of Mars and thermosphere of Venus are uniquely probed by infrared heterodyne spectroscopy. Results of these studies tested and constrained photochemical and dynamical theoretical models describing the phenomena measured. The infrared heterodyne technique will be described. Highlights in its evolution to today's instrumentation and resultant discoveries will be presented, including work at Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Koln. Resultant work will include studies supporting NASA and ESA space missions and collaborations between instrumental and theoretical groups.

Kostiuk, Theodore↗

Photochemistry in planetary atmospheres

Widely varying paths of evolutionary history, atmospheric processes, solar fluxes, and temperatures have produced vastly different planetary atmospheres. The similarities and differences between the earth atmosphere and those of the terrestrial planets (Venus and Mars) and of the Jovian planets are discussed in detail; consideration is also given to the photochemistry of Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Titan, and Triton. Changes in the earth's ancient atmosphere are described, and problems of interest in the earth's present troposphere are discussed, including the down wind effect, plume interactions, aerosol nucleation and growth, acid rain, and the fate of terpenes. Temperature fluctuations in the four principal layers of the earth's atmosphere, predicted decreases in the ozone concentration as a function of time, and spectra of particles in the earth's upper atmosphere are also presented. Finally, the vertical structure of the Venus cloud system and the thermal structure of the Jovian planets are shown graphically.

Levine, J. S.↗

Radiation in Space and Its Control of Equilibrium Temperatures in the Solar System

The problem of determining equilibrium temperatures for reradiating surfaces in space vacuum was analyzed and the resulting mathematical relationships were incorporated in a code to determine space sink temperatures in the solar system. A brief treatment of planetary atmospheres is also included. Temperature values obtained with the code are in good agreement with available spacecraft telemetry and meteorological measurements for Venus and Earth. The code has been used in the design of space power system radiators for future interplanetary missions.

Juhasz, Albert J.↗