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High-resolution observations of the 6815-A band of methane in the major planetsHigh-resolution (0.1-A) spectra of the 6815-A band of methane are presented for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Spectra for Uranus, Neptune, and the equatorial region of Saturn were acquired with the SPIFI (Smith, Hicks, and Born (1978) at the 2.2-m telescope of the Mauna-Kea Observatory during May and June 1980. Additional spectra were obtained for Jupiter and the northern temperate and polar regions of Saturn in December 1980 and January 1981 from Kitt Peak National Obsevatory's McMath Solar Telescope. The spectra show a dichotomy in strength of methane absorption between Jupiter-Saturn and Uranus-Neptune. A simple model analysis, based on homogeneous scattering models, is unable to resolve whether this dichotomy is due to an actual increase in the methane mixing ratio with solar distance or to the temperature dependence of line strengths and absorption pathlengths in these atmospheres. If the rotational quantum number for the prominent 6818.9-A feature is J less than 4, then significant aerosol extinction must exist within the visibly accessible portion of Uranus' atmosphere for the methane mixing ratio to be greater than the solar value.
Document ID
19840037452
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Baines, K. H.
Schempp, W. V.
Smith, W. H.
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 56
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
84A20239
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7334
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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