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The middle-infrared spectrum of Saturn - Evidence for phosphine and upper limits to other trace atmospheric constituentsObservations of Saturn at high spectral resolution in the middle-IR spectral region (2.5-5.6 microns) were obtained using a Fourier spectrometer at ground-based and airborne observatories. These spectra establish that PH3 exists on Saturn with an abundance at least equal to the solar P/H value, and probably enhanced by about a factor of 2. No evidence is found for gaseous or solid NH3 on Saturn throughout this spectral region, and upper limits to several other molecules (H2O, HCN, SiH4, and GeH4) are determined. Frequent comparisons of the spectral data for Saturn with observations and interpretations of IR studies of Jupiter show that these two planetary atmospheres are chemically similar, with major observational differences accounted for by reduced H2O and NH3 abundances in Saturn's colder atmosphere.
Document ID
19810027008
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Larson, H. P.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Fink, U.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Smith, H. A.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Davis, D. S.
(Arizona, University Tucson, Ariz., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A11412
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-03-002-332
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7070
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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