Voyager 2 at Uranus - A synopsis of atmospheric science resultsKnowledge of the Uranian atmosphere took a quantum leap when the Voyager 2 spacecraft made a close approach in January 1986. Among the highlights of the early results are measurements of the atmospheric composition (He mole fraction = 0.15; Ch4 mole fraction = 0.02), rotation period of the deep interior (17.24 h), thermal structure and dynamics (the planet is coldest at midlatitudes; retrograde equatorial winds are inferred), and upper-atmosphere processes (a phenomenon called electroglow is only partly understood and is recognized as an important process n all the major-planet atmospheres examined by Voyager).
Document ID
19870035332
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
West, Robert A. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)