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Intrinsic luminosities of the Jovian planetsAvailable data and theories on the size and nature of interior power sources in the four Jovian planets are reviewed. These four planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Various models, ranging from simple cooling to gravitational layering to radioactivity, are discussed. The evidence and interpretations presented in the discussion seem to indicate that (1) all four Jovian planets were once more luminous and are presently cooling to a state of equilibrium with sunlight; and (2) the thermal evolution of the Jovian planets is predominantly controlled by their photospheres and does not depend on interior conductivity. Both conclusions are consistent with either the simple adiabatic cooling model or with more complicated gravitational unmixing models of the type discussed by Stevenson and Salpeter (1977).
Document ID
19800042584
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hubbard, W. B.
(Arizona, University Tucson, Ariz., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Reviews of Geophysics and Space Physics
Volume: 18
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
80A26754
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7045
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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