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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

The source of Neptune's internal heat and the value of Neptune's tidal dissipation factor

The suggestion is made that Neptune's observed internal heating is the action of tidal torques between Triton and Neptune in despinning the planet and causing the orbital decay of Triton's orbit. These result from the frictional dissipation of tides within Neptune. It is shown that the considered process implies a value of the tidal dissipation factor of approximately 170. The results of the investigation do not change the conclusion which follows from the lack of internal heating for Uranus that the interiors of Uranus and Neptune differ significantly.

Trafton, L.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Space Flight Handbooks: Volume III. Planetary Flight Handbook: Part 7 - Direct Trajectories to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Supplement B. Tabular Trajectory Data for Direct Trajectories to Uranus and Neptune

The trajectory data are presented chronologically and are organized by holding the arrival date constant while varying the Earth departure date in increments of 10 days. Upon completion of the specified range of Earth departure dates, the arrival date is incremented and the range of departure dates is repeated. For long trip times, where the variation of the trajectory parameters is relatively small, the size of the increment of the arrival date is increased. The range of departure and arrival dates and their corresponding increments are given in Table 5-1 for each launch opportunity. The criterion for the selection of these dates is that they encompass the region in which the Earth departure hyperbolic excess speed is less than or equal to 0.65 EMOS. There are two lines of print for each trajectory (departure-date/arrival date pair). In the first line the two left most columns contain the dates of departure and arrival. The next 18 columns of the first line can be divided into three groups: six columns of data related to departure, six columns pertinent to the heliocentric phase of the mission, and six columns related to arrival at the target planet. The second line of print contains, respectively, the Delta V requirements for departure and arrival, the total Delta V requirement, the heliocentric transfer trajectory type, and four parameters defining conditions at arrival. The value computed for the arrival Delta V is for entry into a circular orbit. The radius selected for this orbit, while necessarily somewhat arbitrary, is representative of the broad range of orbit radii which tend to minimize the arrival Delta V for the range of excess speeds between 0.1 and 0.8 EMOS. The value selected for Uranus and Neptune is 3 planet radii. Significant reductions in the computed Delta V can be realized by assuming entry into an elliptical orbit having a periapsis radius equal to the selected circular-orbit radius. The magnitude of the reduction can be determined from Figures 2-6 and 2-8 i n Section 2.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2025

The possibility of hydrogen-water demixing in Uranus, Neptune, K2-18 b and TOI-270 d

Context. The internal structures of Uranus and Neptune remain unknown. In addition, sub-Neptunes are now thought to be the most common type of exoplanets. Improving our understanding of the physical processes that govern the interiors of such planets is therefore essential. Phase separation between planetary constituents may occur, in particular, hydrogen-water immiscibility in cold, water-rich intermediate-mass planets. Aims. We assess whether hydrogen-water demixing could occur in Uranus, Neptune, K2-18 b and TOI-270 d, and investigate its effect on the planetary evolution and inferred internal structure. Methods. We couple planetary evolution models with recent ab initio calculations of the hydrogen-water phase diagram, allowing for temperature shifts to account for uncertainties in miscibility gaps. Results. We find that demixing may occur and could lead to a complete depletion of water in the outermost regions of Uranus and Neptune. Temperature offsets of up to 1100 K lead to a depleted region comprising as much as 16% of the planet’s mass, and an increase in planetary radius by nearly 20%. For K2-18 b, our models suggest that hydrogen-water demixing is ongoing and may explain the absence of water features in its JWST spectrum. A temperature offset of 500 K is required to get a complete depletion of water in the atmosphere of K2-18b. TOI-270d may also have experienced hydrogen-water demixing. When applying a similar temperature offset on the phase diagram as for K2-18 b, we find a partial depletion of water in the atmosphere of TOI-270 d, consistent with JWST’s detection of water. Conclusions. Hydrogen-water immiscibility may play a key role in shaping the structure and evolution of both Solar System giant planets like Uranus and Neptune, and cold/temperate exoplanets such as K2-18 b and TOI-270 d. Accounting for such internal processes is crucial to accurately interpret atmospheric observations from current (e.g., JWST) and upcoming (e.g., ARIEL) missions.

planets and satellites: composition↗
NASA NTRS1971

Uranus and Neptune orbiter missions via solar electric propulsion

The characteristics and capabilities of solar electric propulsion for performing orbiter missions at the planets Uranus and Neptune are described. An assessment of the scientific objectives and instrumentation requirements, their relation to orbit size selection, and parametric analysis of solar electric propulsion trajectory/payload performance are included. Utilizing the Titan 3D/Centaur launch vehicle, minimum flight times of about 3400 days to Uranus and 5300 days to Neptune are required to place the TOPS spacecraft into the nominal orbits. It has been shown that solar electric propulsion can be used effectively to accomplish elliptical orbiter missions at Uranus and Neptune. However, because of the very long flight time required, these mission profiles are not too attractive. Previous studies have shown that nuclear electric propulsion, if developed, would allow much faster trips; 5 years to Uranus and 8 years to Neptune.

Friedlander, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Ultraviolet photometry from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. XIII - The albedos of Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune

Presentation of OAO-2 broad-band ultraviolet photometry data for Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. These data have been combined with observations of 23 late-type stars to derive planetary albedos over the region 2000-4300 A. The new broad-band albedo for Jupiter agrees well with a previous measurement based on OAO-2 spectrometer data. The albedos for Uranus and Neptune are in good agreement with ground measurements in the region of overlap. The results for Uranus and Neptune have been compared with theoretical calculations for semiinfinite and finite pure H2 Rayleigh-Raman scattering atmospheres. Except for the shortest wavelengths, the measurements lie below the semiinfinite theoretical calculations. The calculations for the finite atmospheres suggest that an additional absorbing constituent will be needed to explain the observed albedos.

Savage, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Possibility of detecting magnetospheric radio bursts from Uranus and Neptune

The intensity of magnetospheric radio bursts (MRBs) is scaled to solar-wind input into planetary magnetospheres and the frequency of emission is scaled to polar surface magnetic-field strength in order to estimate the possibility of detecting MRBs from Uranus and Neptune. A scaling law is derived which relates the ratio of power radiated in MRBs to the solar-wind input for earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Power-flux spectra of MRBs from these three planets are plotted, and it is shown that Jupiter and Saturn may radiate 1% to 5% of the solar-wind energy input into their magnetospheres. The properties of MRBs from Uranus and Neptune are estimated by assuming a conversion efficiency of 1% to 5%, a bandwidth of half the peak frequency, and conformity of Uranus' and Neptune's dipole moments with the magnetic Bode's law. Based on the results, it is suggested that detection of MRBs from these two planets may be a reasonable cruise-mode radio-astronomy objective on future missions to the outer solar system.

Kennel, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Comparative thermal evolution of Uranus and Neptune

We extend a Jovian convective-cooling model to Uranus and Neptune. The model assumes that efficient interior convection prevails, so that escape of interior heat is governed by the radiative properties of the atmosphere. A comparison of the thermal evolution of Uranus and Neptune indicates that the large amount of solar radiation absorbed in Uranus' atmosphere tends to differentially suppress the escape of interior heat. The model is shown to be consistent with recent infrared observations of the thermal balance of Uranus and Neptune, and with the presumed age of these planets.

Hubbard, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Far-infrared observations of Uranus, Neptune, and Ceres

During a single flight of our 102 cm balloon-borne telescope and 40-250 micron photometer we observed Uranus, Neptune, Ceres, Venus, Mars, and Saturn. Effective temperatures for Uranus (58.5 plus or minus 2 K) and Neptune (59.7 plus or minus 4 K) were determined, thus confirming the absence of a substantial internal heat source for Uranus and the presence of one for Neptune. Ceres has a brightness temperature of 195 plus or minus 12 K at an effective wavelength of 60 microns.

Stier, M. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The rotation period of Neptune

Photometric observations of Neptune with a highly accurate doubly differential photometer, two filters centered in the 6190-A band of methane, and two immediately adjacent continuum filters centered at 5993 and 6332 A are reported which were performed in the interval from March 29 to August 8, 1977. The principal rotation period of at least a major methane albedo feature of Neptune's deeper atmosphere is found to be 18.44 + or - 0.01 (est. error) hr, assuming that such features are stable in longitude over weeks or months. The result obtained is compared with previous determinations, and reasons for a discrepancy between the present and a previous photometric period are considered. It is suggested that the period of 18.44 hr is likely to be quite close to that of the main body of Neptune.

Slavsky, D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

First generation atmospheric probes (10-BARS) for Uranus and Neptune

The feasibility of atmospheric entry probe missions to Uranus and Neptune is studied, and preliminary estimates of missions parameters are presented. Most of the study results are applicable, with only minor modifications, to Uranus-Neptune entry probes included on any type of outer planet mission. Trajectory dynamics is discussed first because it imposes some important constraints upon the total time available for data transmission, which in turn determines the descent rate. This last quantity provides important information for the design of the scientific payload.

Sullivan, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Evidence for an internal heat source in Neptune

Analysis of Morrison and Cruikshank's (1974) infrared flux measurements of Uranus and Neptune shows that Uranus is probably in equilibrium with the incident solar flux, while Neptune probably radiates 2.4 times as much energy as it receives from the sun, implying an internal heat source of 1.4 times the solar input. On the basis of very broadband data (1.5 to 300 micron) Jupiter has been shown to radiate more energy than it receives from the sun. Of the Jovian planets, only Uranus, the least massive, appears to lack an internal heat source.

Murphy, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Neptune - Observations of the H2 quadrupole lines in the /4-0/ band

The first measurement of Neptune's quadrupole H2 lines is reported. The equivalent widths of the S(0) and S(1) lines of the (4-0) band are given along with the corresponding widths measured from comparison spectra of Uranus taken on the same nights. These are interpreted in terms of both an inhomogeneous atmosphere overlying a reflecting layer and a homogeneous, semi-infinite, scattering atmosphere. Only the scattering model proves to be consistent with Neptune's spectrum in this wavelength region. The H2 abundance along the scattering mean free path is found to be less than the value for Rayleigh scattering in pure H2. This result is interpreted in terms of the presence of H2, CH4, and at least one other gas, instead of the more conventional interpretation in terms of the presence of an aerosol mixed with H2. Weak features in the continuum were observed. Their widths and the strength of the H2 features indicate that H2 is more abundant than the sum of the remaining gases in these atmospheres.

Trafton, L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evidence for weather on Neptune. I

Between April 1975 and March 1976 the reflectance of Neptune between 1 and 4 microns increased substantially. A spectrum taken at these wavelengths near the period of peak observed brightness showed a low-intensity continuum with weak superposed absorptions caused by CH4 and H2. Photographic spectra of the planet measured during the same period showed no differences from older published data. The gas abundances derived from the infrared spectrum, 5 plus or minus 2 km-amagat of H2 at a base density of 0.26 plus or minus 0.08 am and no more than about 1 m-am of CH4, appear to refer to an effective reflecting level high in the atmosphere of Neptune.

Joyce, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evidence for weather on Neptune. II

Data obtained by Joyce et al., (1977) are interpreted as evidence for the formation of an optically-thin cloud high in the atmosphere of Neptune. About 10 months after the cloud's initial appearance and subsequent partial dissipation, the optical thickness of the cloud, averaged over the planet, had a value for tau in the vicinity of 1. The minimum effective radius indicated for the cloud particles is about 1 micron. The model which leads to this interpretation of the data is explained, and the calculations are presented. Implications of the model and also apparent similarities between Neptune's atmosphere and that of other planets are discussed.

Pilcher, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The ionospheres of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

Models of the ionospheres of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are presented. It is postulated that galactic cosmic-ray ionization is an important component of these ionospheres. For example, in the case of Neptune, the level of ionization caused by cosmic rays is comparable with that due to solar extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. The existence of cosmic-ray, as well as solar EUV-produced ionization, could be a valuable diagnostic tool for investigating the atmospheric thermal structure of those planets.

Capone, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The effective temperature of Neptune

The brightness temperature of Neptune has been measured in two broad passbands with flux-weighted mean wavelengths of 45 and 93 microns, permitting a direct determination of its effective temperature. The derived value of 55.5 plus or minus 2.3 K implies that Neptune radiates twice as much power as it receives from the sun.

Loewenstein, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On the rotation period of Neptune

Two plausible values for the rotation period of Neptune have been deduced from photometric light curves at 1.25 and 2.2 microns. They are 0.7572 + or - 0.002 and 0.8160 + or - 0.002 day; additional photometric data will be required to ascertain which period is correct. Evidence is presented for changes in the atmosphere of Neptune with a time scale of several days.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The infrared spectra of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan from 0.8 to 2.5 microns

The paper combines the results of two projects that significantly augment previous studies: exploratory IR spectroscopic observations of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan using a 4-m telescope; and new long-path laboratory comparison spectra of methane at abundances appropriate for these planetary spectra. The observations of these previously unexplored spectral regimes provide new insights into the composition and structures of these atmospheres. The spectra of Uranus, Neptune, and Titan are discussed and analyzed from several complementary points of view. A number of specific topics are discussed in detail: methane abundance determinations, limitations in using the 3nu3 CH4 band at high abundances, upper limits to a number of molecules, implications from the pressure-induced spectrum of H2, and consequences of Rayleigh scattering in Uranus's upper atmosphere.

Fink, U.↗