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The spectrum of Titan in the far-infrared and microwave regionsThe pressure-induced absorptions of gaseous nitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4) are computed on the basis of the collisional lineshape theory of Birnbaum and Cohen (1976). Laboratory data at 300 and 124 K for N2 and at 296 and 195 K for CH4 are used to determine the collisional time constants and their temperature dependence. The spectrum of Titan from the microwave to the far-infrared region (0.1-600/cm) is then modeled using these opacities and a temperature profile of Titan's atmosphere derived from the Voyager 1 radio occultation experiment. The model atmosphere is composed of N2 and CH4, their relative proportions being determined by the vapor pressure law of CH4. A model with gaseous opacity alone is ruled out by the far-infrared observations. An additional opacity, thought to be associated with a methane cloud, is confirmed. The effective temperature of Titan is estimated at 83.2 plus or minus 1.4 K.
Document ID
19830032609
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Courtin, R.
(New York, State University Stony Brook, NY; CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique Stellaire et Planetaire, Verrieres-le-Buisson, Essonn, France)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 51
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
83A13827
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC5-23
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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