Methane absorption in the Jovian atmosphere. II - Absorption line formation.

Observational tests of three models for line formation in the Jovian atmosphere have recently been completed by Bergstralh (1972). The observational material is described and the results of the tests are reported. The characteristics of a reflecting-layer model (RLM) are discussed, giving attention to the rotational temperature and methane abundance. The properties of scattering models are also examined, taking into account a homogeneous scattering layer model and an inhomogeneous scattering layer model. It is found that the RLM is quite satisfactory in some respects for interpreting molecular absorption bands in the spectrum of Jupiter.