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Long-term study of longitudinal dependence in primary particle precipitation in the north Jovian auroraThe wavelength-dependent absorption apparent in IUE spectra of the north Jovian aurora is analyzed to determine the column density of hydrocarbons above the altitude of the FUV auroral emission. Both the magnetotail and torus auroral zone models are considered in estimating zenith angles, with very similar results obtained for both models. It is found that the hydrocarbon column density above the FUV emission displays a consistent dependence on magnetic longitude, with the peak density occurring approximately coincident with the peak in the observed auroral intensity. Two distinct scenarios for the longitude dependence of the column density are discussed. In one, the Jovian upper atmosphere is longitudinally homogeneous, and the variation in optical depth is due to a variation in penetration, and thus energy, of the primary particles. In the other, the energy of the primaries is longitudinally homogeneous, and it is aeronomic properties which change, probably due to auroral heating.
Document ID
19900054436
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Livengood, T. A.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Baltimore, MD, United States)
Strobel, D. F.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Baltimore, MD, United States)
Moos, H. W.
(Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 95
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
90A41491
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-5393
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-648
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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