Vorticity, Rossby number, and geostrophy in the atmosphere of Jupiter
Jupiter geostrophy indicated by circulation, vorticity and Rossby number determined from Great Red Spot observations
Hess, S. L.↗
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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.↗
Our present state of ignorance of the outer planets and their satellites.
Although the outer solar system contains the bulk of the angular momentum of the system and a huge fraction of the total planetary mass, very little is actually known about it. Massive Jupiter, with its low mean density and huge red spot (possibly a Taylor column), shows a complex rotational pattern as a result of three rotating systems, each having a different period. Atmospheric scattering of the reflected solar radiation makes spectral interpretation uncertain. Imprecisions in the Bond albedo cause discrepancies between actual and predicted solar energy absorbed. Saturn is similar to Jupiter in massiveness, low density, atmospheric aerosols, and albedo. Its rings are believed to be largely water ice. To date, no evidence of radiation belts, analogous to Jupiter's, exists for Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune. Methane and hydrogen have been detected in the atmospheres of all these planets, but the mole fraction of hydrogen is lower in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune. Uranus' 98 degree inclination will provide basis for study of its atmospheric circulation. Our knowledge of Pluto is restricted to the sparsest physical data.
Rea, D. G.↗
New evidence for solar cycle variations at great distances
Recent studies of solar planetary relationships are directed toward exploring how far out from the sun one could observe solar cycle variations. A positive solar Jovian relationship is suggested from a Chree superposed epoch study of the intensity of the great red spot of Jupiter over a period of about six solar cycles. The characteristic double maxima observed in the solar cycle variation is common to other observations of solar events in the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona; radio and corpuscular emissions from the sun; cosmic ray intensity and geomagnetic activity. The same method of analysis adopted for the study of luminosity changes of the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune indicates that the fluctuations of luminosity follow the single maximum solar cycle represented by sunspot numbers. In conjunction with changes of upper atmospheric density and temperature, it is suggested that the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission from the sun may be connected with luminosity changes. A method of distinguishing between phenomena related to solar wind and those related to solar EUV is presented.
Venkatesan, D.↗
High resolution obtained by photoelectric scanning techniques.
Several applications of linear scanning of different types of objects are described; examples include double stars, satellites, the Red Spot of Jupiter and a landing site on the moon. This technique allows one to achieve a gain of about an order of magnitude in resolution over conventional photoelectric techniques; it is also effective in providing sufficient data for removing background effects and for the application of deconvolution procedures. Brief consideration is given to two-dimensional scanning, either at the telescope or of electronographic images in the laboratory. It is suggested that some of the techniques described should be given serious consideration for space applications.
Hall, J. S.↗
Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 - The mission frame.
Following the cancellation of the Outer Planet Grand Tour Project, NASA and JPL examined less ambitious, alternative missions for exploring the outer planets. The mission that proved most attractive scientifically and fits within the projected NASA budget constraints embraces dual flights to Jupiter and Saturn, with launch in 1977. NASA has implemented it as the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 (MJS77) Project. The MJS77 mission covers exploratory investigations of the Jupiter and Saturn planetary systems and the interplanetary medium out to Saturn. Items of special interest include Jupiter's great red spot, the question of Io's anomalous brightening and phenomena associated with its EM behavior. After Saturn encounter, the spacecraft will escape the solar system in the general direction of the solar apex.
Bourke, R. D.↗
The International Planetary Patrol Program - An assessment of the first three years.
Day-to-day and hour-to-hour changes in the large-scale atmospheric and surface features of the planets can now be studied more effectively than previously possible. Since 1969 a network of observatories has obtained almost uninterrupted photographic coverage during all apparitions of Jupiter and Mars, plus some of Venus. Patrol films and catalogs are available to the scientific community. Recent or current analyses include the distribution and motion of clouds on Mars, the development and decay of Martian dust storms, the seasonal, diurnal, and random fluctuations in contrast between adjacent light and dark regions on Mars, the detection of vertical shear in the Jovian atmosphere, the longitudinal oscillation of the Red Spot, the dependence of rotation period on xenographic latitude and on time, the eruption and spread of south equatorial belt disturbances, and the retrograde circulation of the Venus cloud deck.
Baum, W. A.↗
Multicolor photography of Jupiter.
Representative multicolor Jupiter photographs taken with wideband filters in 1965 and 1970 are discussed. Attention is given to the Red Spot and to the differences in methane absorption above the clouds. A table of observational data and white-and-black reproductions of representative photographs with interpretation are included.
Fountain, J. W.↗
Latitude measures of Jupiter in the 0.89-micron methane band.
Jupiter has been photographed by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the 0.89-micron methane band since October 1968. A photometric evaluation of these photographs has not yet been carried out, but a visual study of this collection and a comparison with the color records has been made. This comparison, together with diameter and latitude measures of the methane records, shows that the albedos and latitudes of most features shown at 0.89 micron vary with time and that there is no simple correlation between the visual color and/or intensity of a feature and its intensity in the methane band. The latitudes of the Red Spot and South Tropical Zone have remained unchanged, while those of the Equatorial Zone, North Tropical Zone, and South Polar Hood have changed.
Minton, R. B.↗
Latitude measures of Jupiter in the 0.89 micron methane band
Jupiter has been photographed by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the 0.89 micron methane band since October 1968. A photometric evaluation of these photographs has not yet been carried out, but a visual study of this collection and a comparison with the color records has been made. This comparison, together with diameter and latitude measures of the methane records, shows that the albedos and latitudes of most features shown in 0.89 micron vary with time and the albedos and latitudes of most features shown in 0.89 micron vary with time and that there is no simple correlation between the visual color and/or intensity of a feature and its intensity in the methane band. The latitudes of the Red Spot and South Tropical Zone have remained unchanged, while those of the Equatorial Zone, North Tropical Zone, and South Polar Hood have changed. Measures of images taken near opposition show the polar diameter to be within 0.5% of the American Ephemeris Value, but the equatorial diameter as 1.3% smaller. Measures near quadrature suggest a phase defect 3.5 times greater in value than the American Ephemeris value. The large phase defect and bright South Polar Hood contribute to the circular appearance of Jupiter in methane. Latitude variations of the North edge of the South Polar Hood support the 1964 Munch and Younkin hypothesis that this feature is composed of frozen methane.
Minton, R. B.↗
Optical polarization measurements of the Jupiter atmosphere at 103 deg phase angle
The first measurements have been made of the linear polarization of sunlight scattered by the Jupiter atmosphere at phase angles greater than 12 deg, using the imaging photopolarimeter on Pioneer 10. The data are of high accuracy, in spite of several problems in the instrument. The polarization is positive at 440 nm. There is no direct evidence for spherical particles in the Jupiter clouds. Using a simple model of Rayleigh scattering above a Lambertian cloud layer, a unique fit is found to the observed intensity and polarization at each point on the planet. The resulting Rayleigh optical depths, if they are attributed to molecular scattering alone (i.e., no aerosols above the cloud tops), can be converted into physical altitudes of the cloud tops. The first results suggest that the north tropical zone, parts of the equatorial zone, and the red spot are all elevated regions.
Coffeen, D. L.↗
Jupiter
The physical structure of Jupiter is discussed on the basis of data obtained by Pioneers 10 and 11. It is argued that the elemental composition of Jupiter is similar to that of the sun, and it is shown that this argument is supported by measurements of the planet's density and H/He ratio. Jupiter's shape and gravitational field are described, and a model of the planet is proposed in which there are a small iron-silicate core at the center, a very thick liquid-hydrogen stratum divided into metallic (inner) and molecular (outer) layers, and a gaseous atmosphere. According to this model, the excess heat radiated by Jupiter is simply a remnant of the heat generated when the planet coalesced from the solar nebula. The appearance of the planetary disk is described together with the Jovian magnetic field, and the Great Red Spot is shown to be a cyclonic disturbance similar to a hurricane. Effects of the Galilean satellites on the magnetic field are considered.
Wolfe, J. H.↗
Discoveries about Jupiter. Results for Pioneers 10 and 11 combined with earth-based findings
Included in this discussion of findings regarding the planet Jupiter are atmospheric characteristics, weather, the magnetosphere, radiation belts, radio emission, natural satellites, possible origins, the Great Red Spot, the interior and the possibility of life.
Source record↗
Contributions of the observatory of New Mexico State University, Volume 1, no. 4, April 4
Papers are presented dealing with astronomical observations of the Jupiter Red Spot, Corona Borealis Constellation, and Meteoroids. Calibration of instruments and reduction and analysis of data are discussed.
Source record↗
The meteorology of Jupiter
From the point of view of meteorology the most important differences between Jupiter and the earth are related to the fact that Jupiter has an appreciable internal energy source and probably lacks a solid surface. The composition and vertical structure of the Jovian atmosphere is considered along with the composition of Jovian cloud particles, turbulence in Jupiter's atmosphere, data on the horizontal structure and motions of the atmosphere, and questions related to the longevity of Jupiter's clouds. Attention is given to the barotropic characteristics of Jupiter's atmosphere, the radiation balance in the atmosphere of the earth and of Jupiter, and studies of the Great Red Spot.
Ingersoll, A. P.↗
Discovering Jupiter. I
The current state of knowledge regarding the planet Jupiter is examined, taking into account data obtained with the aid of the spacecraft Pioneer 11. A description is given of Jupiter's weather. The Pioneer 11 pictures show that the planet's banded cloud structure breaks down above 50 deg latitude, and turns into relatively small, mostly circular cloud features in the polar regions. Attention is given to Jupiter's heat balance, aspects of internal heat flow, questions of atmospheric circulation, the turbulence in Jupiter's atmosphere, the effects of coriolis forces, Jupiter's upper atmosphere, the Great Red Spot, and the Jovian magnetosphere and radiation belts.
Source record↗
Gravity field of Jupiter and its satellite from Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 tracking data
Accurate two-way Doppler tracking data obtained from Pioneers 10 and 11 during their Jupiter encounters are analyzed to yield significantly improved values for the masses of the Galilean satellites, the harmonic coefficients of Jupiter, and the mass of the planet. The spacecraft trajectories relative to Jupiter are discussed, and nongravitational spacecraft accelerations are taken into account. Gravity results are derived from a simultaneous iterative weighted least-squares solution for the orbital elements of seven bodies, the masses of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites, the right ascension and declination of Jupiter's instantaneous pole relative to the 1950.0 mean earth equator and equinox, the Jovian gravity harmonic coefficients, the mass of a hypothetical mascon at the Great Red Spot, and the nongravitational-acceleration parameters. Four separate solutions are determined, and the best numerical values are given for the ratios of the masses of the four Galilean satellites to the mass of Jupiter; the ratio of the sun's mass to that of the Jupiter system; the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zonal harmonic coefficients of Jupiter; the sectoral harmonics; and the ratio of the hypothetical mascon's mass to that of Jupiter.
Null, G. W.↗
The interior structure of Jupiter (Consequences of Pioneer 10 data)
Models of the Jovian interiors based on theoretical equations of state of hydrogen and helium supported by a few experimental points and on observed parameters such as oblateness, gravitational coefficients, heat emission, magnetic fields, are discussed. The models fall into three categories: (1) those that assume a uniform and rather low H2/He ratio throughout the planet; (2) those in which this ratio is solar and thus higher; and (3) those that take into account the lack of complete miscibility of the two elements in the condensed state. It appears now also that within the limits of error the planet is in a hydrostatic equilibrium. The large heat emission and the need for an efficient source of internal heat are confirmed, but the results do not indicate which one of the various possible mechanisms is favored, although new evolutionary models suggest that the primordial heat may be insufficient. A new red spot has been discovered. Finally, the presence of a highly eccentric and inclined magnetic field poses new problems related to the pattern of internal convection and to the possibility of a north-south asymmetry of the interior. Further analysis of the available data may throw additional light on these questions.
Smoluchowski, R.↗