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At least 271 records · Page 15
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NASA NTRS1987

Magnetospheric convection at Uranus

The unusual configuration of the Uranian magnetosphere leads to differences in the relative effects of solar wind induced magnetospheric convection and plasma corotation from those at the other planets. At the present epoch the orientation of the rotation axis of Uranus with respect to the solar wind flow direction leads to a decoupling of the convective and corotational flows, allowing plasma from the tail to move unimpeded through the inner magnetosphere. As Uranus progresses in its orbit around the sun, corotation plays a gradually more important role and the plasma residence times within the magnetosphere increase. When the rotation axis finally becomes perpendicular to the solar wind flow, corotation is dominant.

Selesnick, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Impulsive solar wind-driven emission from Uranus

Several days prior to the Voyager spacecraft encounter with Uranus, the plasma wave and radio astronomy receivers detected extraordinarily narrowband bursty signals, the first indication of any radio emission from the planet. The characteristics of these signals were so unusual that their identity as a natural planetary emission was questioned at first. Subsequent analysis has shown, however, that the n bursts are modulated at the 17.24-hour Uranus rotation period and are, therefore, planetary in origin. It is shown, in addition, that the typical bandwidth and time scale for the bursts are about 5 kHz and 250 ms, respectively. The phase of the rotation modulation suggests a probable source for these events in the vicinity of the north (weak) magnetic pole. The waves are right-hand polarized and are therefore emitted in the extraordinary magnetoionic mode if the emission in fact originates above the north magnetic pole.

Desch, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ionospheric dynamo theory for production of far ultraviolet emissions on Uranus

A model is presented to explain diffuse FUV emissions from the outer planets, specifically Uranus, in excess of those diffuse emissions that are currently explainable by scattering of sunlight and/or excitation by photoelectrons. These electroglow emissions in H Ly-alpha and H2 bands, which occur in the sunlit hemisphere slightly above the homopause, appear to require particle excitation in the 10- to 50-eV range. An in situ mechanism for accelerating photoelectrons (and ions is proposed, involving neutral wind dynamo generation of field-aligned currents analogous to what occurs in the earth's equatorial E and F regions. Sufficiently strong field-aligned currents are found in the model calculation for Uranus to produce a potential drop of about 100 eV or greater between the F peak and homopause, concentrated at lower altitudes, and capable in principle of accelerating photoelectrons (and ions) to the 10- to 50-eV energies required to explain the observed emissions. The fact that the excitation and ionization cross sections are larger than elastic scattering cross sections in an H2 atmosphere at these energies makes in situ acceleration feasible for the production of UV on the outer planets.

Hudson, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Small satellites of Uranus - Disk-integrated photometry and estimated radii

Voyager imaging data is used to study the evolution of the Uranian system, focusing on the disk-integrated properties and radii of the 10 small satellites orbiting Uranus interior to Miranda (Smith et al., 1986). Reflectances are derived for the two objects that are spatially resolved by the Voyager observations. The relative sizes of the satellites are estimated on the basis of relative apparent brightness (disk-integrated flux). The results are discussed in the context of the origin of these satellites and their relationship to the material forming the rings of Uranus.

Thomas, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1989

Photochemistry of the atmosphere of Uranus

A detailed one-dimensional photochemical model incorporating vertical transport by eddy and molecular diffusion is used to study the importance of chemical and physical processes that control the hydrocarbon abundances in the stratosphere of Uranus. The study includes updated photochemical reaction rates and photolysis branching ratios; explicit calculation of the condensation rate of condensing species; and appropriate boundary conditions at the tropopause. It is found that the basic photochemical process generally produces low net conversion efficiencies of methane to higher hydrocarbons. However, even with these low efficiencies, the total condensation rate, which represents the net rate of conversion of methane to hydrocarbons, is roughly 2 x 10 to the -16th g/cm sec, in agreement with the upper range of the low condensation rate for the production of the stratospheric aerosol layer as determined by Pollack et al. (1987). Furthermore, a range of vertical transport rates is required to separately match the observational constraints on hydrocarbon abundances. The solar reflection data refer to the sunlit polar region of Uranus and require an eddy diffusion coefficient of K approx. = 50 sq cm/sec for globally averaged insolation or K approx = 1500 (Nh/N) exp 1/2 for overhead sun. The Voyager 2 Utraviolet Spectrometer solar occultation data refer to the equatorial regions, thus implying a large latitudinal gradient in stratospheric hydrocarbon abundance.

Summers, Michael E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Source region of the smooth high-frequency nightside Uranus kilometric radiation - A ray-tracing study

This paper presents a plasma density model for the Uranus nightside at r less than 4.2 r(u), developed on the basis of radio wave observations of the Planetary Radio Astronomy instrument on board the Voyager 2 spacecraft and on cyclotron maser instability. The results provide an accurate description of the Uranus kilometric radiation (UKR) source region dependent on a minimum of assumptions, and indicate that the UKR source region is more extended in longitude than previosly determined.

Menietti, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

One-dimensional calculations of a large impact on Uranus

One-dimensional, spherically symmetric hydrodynamic calculations of the effect of the impact of a 1-2 earth mass body on the gaseous envelope of Uranus, characterizing the impact as a partition of energy such that a fraction is deposited directly into the envelope, while the rest heats the core. A sharp transition is found between the cases of nearly-complete retention and dispersal, corresponding to energy-deposition values above or below a critical value. Within a realistic parameter range, the angular momentum of the Uranus system may be explained, together with the retention of a gaseous envelope of about 1 earth mass.

Korycansky, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

H2 S3(1) and S4(1) transitions in the atmospheres of Neptune and Uranus - Observations and analysis

The present observational results for Neptune's S3(1) and S4(1) H2 lines show the former line's measured equivalent width to be the same as for this feature in Uranus, repeating the equality already established between the two planets for the latter feature. It is also noted that the observed ratio of the H2 S3(0)/S3(1) lines for Neptune's atmosphere is reproduced by models belonging to the family of models created by Baines and Smith (1990); by comparison with the earlier Uranus models of Baines and Bergstrahl (1986), the greater continuum absorption of Neptune is responsible for the increased S3(0)/S3(1) line ratio near 0.82 microns.

Smith, Wm. Hayden↗
NASA NTRS1990

Calibration of the 7- to 14-micron brightness spectra of Uranus and Neptune

An independent measure of the absolute brightness of the disk-averaged spectrum measured by Orton et al. (1987) is attempted via observations of Uranus and Neptune at discrete wavelengths between 8.17 and 13.0 microns. These observations are found to be consistent with the suggested upward recalibrations of the Uranus and Neptune spectra by factors of 1.6 and 1.12, respectively. Both graphic and tabular results are presented.

Orton, Glenn S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Source of O mode radio emissions from the dayside of Uranus

During the inbound trajectory toward Uranus, the Planetary Radio Astronomy instrument on Voyager 2 observed narrow-band smooth (n-smooth) emission at frequencies centered near 60 kHz and O-mode emission (the dayside source) in a frequency range narrowly confined around 160 kHz. Assuming empirical models of the plasma density for the dayside magnetosphere of Uranus, and using cold plasma theory together with observational constraints, ray-tracing calculations are performed to determine the source location of the O-mode emission. The dayside source appears to originate along magnetic field lines with a footprint near the north magnetic pole. Sources of nightside high-frequency broadband smooth (b-smooth) emission observed by Voyager after encounter are believed to exist near the conjugate footprint of these same field lines. This would indicate that the particle population supplying the free energy source has energies at least as high as a few keV.

Menietti, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Post Voyager comparisons of the interiors of Uranus and Neptune

The recent Voyager flyby of Uranus and Neptune has provided refined values for the gravitational moments and rotation periods of those planets. Using these new parameters, models of the interiors of these planets show that their density distributions are very similar. This lends support to the conjecture that their compositions are similar as well. The models are indeed consistent with such a conjecture. The difference in the internal heat sources of these two planets may be due to the fact that heat transport from the interior of Uranus is inhibited by a statically stable interior.

Podolak, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Deep atmospheric probe missions to Uranus and Neptune

The impressive results of the Voyager 2 flybys of Uranus (January 1986) and Neptune (August 1989) revealed many surprises and produced a new set of scientific questions regarding the formation and evolution of the planets, their atmospheres, the rings that surround them, and their satellite systems. A new set of intensive exploration missions to these outer planets is currently being examined by NASA and the scientific community. These missions, like Galileo to Jupiter and Cassini to Saturn, are to provide longer-term high-resolution orbital observations together with in situ atmospheric measurements. This paper will examine the feasibility of using deep atmospheric probes in connection with orbital missions to Uranus and Neptune to obtain the desired scientific measurements down to atmospheric pressure levels of at least 200 bars. The key design parameters of the atmospheric mission and system are defined, examined in some detail, and feasible options are suggested for further study.

Swenson, Byron L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A search for stellar occultations by Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and their satellites: 1990-1999

A search for occultations of stars by Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto between 1990 and 1999 was carried out by combining ephemeris information and star positions using very accurate occultation modeling software. Stars from both the Space Telescope Guide Catalog and photographic plates taken by Arnold Klemola at Lick Observatory were compared with planet positions from the JPL DE-130 ephemeris, with local modifications for Pluto and Charon. Some 666 possible occultations by the Uranian ring, 143 possible occultations by Neptune, and 40 possible occultations by Pluto and/or Charon were found among stars with visual magnitudes as faint as 16. Before the star positions could be obtained, the occultation prediction software was used to aid many observers in observing the occultation of 28 Sagitarii by Saturn in July 1989. As a test on other outer solar system objects, 17 possible occultations were found in a search of the Guide Star Catalog for occultations by 2060 Chiron, and interesting object between Saturn and Uranus which shows both cometary and asteroidal properties.

Mink, Douglas J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Possible second harmonic gyroemission at Uranus

During the inbound trajectory toward Uranus, the Planetary Radio Astronomy Instrument on board the Voyager 2 spacecraft observed narrow-band smooth (n-smooth) emission at frequencies centered near 60 kHz. By assuming models of the plasma density for the dayside magnetosphere of Uranus and by using cold plasma theory together with stringent observational constraints, ray-tracing calculations were performed to determine the source location and mode of the n-smooth emission. Ray-tracing calculations suggest that the n-smooth emission with sources near the magnetic equator may be fundamental X mode for certain conditions or second harmonic gyroemission. If the emission is second harmonic gyroemission, the fundamental emission at 30 kHz is expected but apparently not observed. These findings are discussed in the context of the most recent developments in the theory of the cyclotron maser instability.

Menietti, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A study of photopolarimeter system UV absorption data on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - Implications for auroral haze formation

The present investigation of the dark hazes of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune on the basis of Voyager 2 UV data notes a geographic correlation between the auroral zones of Jupiter and Saturn and UV-dark polar regions. While the auroral fluxes and penetration depths on Jupiter and Saturn may suffice for a darkening of the polar regions by auroras' action on methane, Uranus and Neptune are found to be bright at all latitudes. In the former case, this brightness is in keeping with auroral electron energies too small to reach the CH4 homopause at which haze production occurs; in the latter case, a UV-dark band exists from 30 deg S to 5 deg N which is probably unrelated to auroral processes.

Pryor, Wayne R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Occultations by Uranus and Neptune - 1991-1999

The results of a photographic plate search are presented for stars as faint as mv = 14 which may be occulted by Uranus or Neptune or their rings between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1999. Circumstances for the closest approach of Uranus to 76 stars and Neptune to 18 stars are presented. Occultations by Neptune's ring 'arcs' are predicted in 1992, 1997, and 1999.

Klemola, Arnold R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Evidence of auroral plasma cavities at Uranus and Neptune from radio burst observations

Radio bursts originating from the stronger magnetic polar regions of both Uranus and Neptune were detected by the planetary radio astronomy experiment during the Voyager 2 encounters with the planets. It has previously been demonstrated that these bursts are beamed into a broad, hollow emission pattern from their auroral sources. It is now shown that the bursts at both planets also manifest similar detailed patterns, with the waves beamed into two separate and distinct radiation cones at intermediate wave frequencies. This double-cone emission pattern is predicted by relativistic cyclotron resonance theory, and application of this theory to the observed emission pattern yields the plasma density structure within the radio source region. Calculations indicate that at both Uranus and Neptune the plasma-to-cyclotron frequency ratio can drop well below 0.01 within the active region. Such low values indicate that the southern auroral zones at both planets contain an auroral plasma cavity that is similar to that found in earth's nightside auroral zone.

Farrell, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The magnetic field and magnetospheric configuration of Uranus

A significant and unique planetary magnetic field discovered by Voyager 2 is presented. A large tilt of 58.6 deg of the magnetic-dipole axis from the rotation axis was found. Combined with a large offset of 0.3 RU of the magnetic dipole from the center of the planet, the moment of 0.23 gauss-RU3 leads to field magnitudes at the surface which vary widely between 0.1 and 1.0 gauss. A simple diagram illustrating the offset tilted dipole of Uranus and some field lines is shown. A more exact and accurate spherical-harmonic model of the planetary field, which includes both dipole and quadrupole moments, is derived. There exists a well-developed bipolar magnetic tail on the night side of the planet which rotates daily about the extended planet-sunline with Uranus because of the large obliquity of the Uranian rotation axis.

Ness, Norman F.↗