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Radio science with Voyager 2 at Uranus - Results on masses and densities of the planet and five principal satellitesPhase-coherent Doppler data generated by the Deep Space Network with the radio communication system during the Voyager 2 encounter with Uranus in January 1986, optical navigation data generated by the Voyager Navigation Team with the Voyager 2 imaging system, and ground-based astrometric data obtained over an 8-yr period are compiled and analyzed to determine the masses and densities of Uranus and its principal satellites. The data-analysis procedures are explained in detail, and the results are presented in tables and graphs. The mean density of Uranus is found to be 1.285 + or - 0.001 g/cu cm, whereas the mean uncompressed mass of all five satellites is 1.48 + or - 0.06 g/cu cm, or 0.10 g/cu cm above the density expected for a homogeneous solar mix of rock, H2O and NH3 ice, and CH4 as clathrate hydrate. This difference is tentatively attributed to the presence of 15 mass percent of pure graphite, which would provide the thermal conductivity required to keep the satellites cold and undifferentiated.
Document ID
19880039575
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Anderson, J. D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Campbell, J. K.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Jacobson, R. A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sweetnam, D. N.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Taylor, A. H.
(California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
December 30, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 92
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
88A26802
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: PROJECT VOYAGER
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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