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Detection of the 267 GHz J = 1-0 rotational transition of PH3 in Saturn with a new fourier transfer spectrometerIn recent observations with the Fourier transform spectrometer at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO), we have detected the highly pressure-broadened (Full width at half maximum (FWHM) = 11.2 GHz) J = 1-0 rotational transition of PH3 (phosphine) on Saturn. By modeling the saturnian atmosphere with a radiative transfer code, we find that the observed line profile is consistent with a constant PH3 mole fraction of 0.3 +/- 1.0 ppm in the upper troposphere. A best fit to the depth of the line implies a cutoff at high altitudes, with no PH3 present at pressures less than and about 100 mbar. The observed line depth, combined with the lack of a detectable emission core, implies that a cutoff in the PH3 abundance occurs at a pressure between 13 and 140 mbar. We did not detect PH3 in Jupiter or any other molecular lines between 195 and 295 GHz (1.54 mm and 2.02 mm, respectively) in either Jupiter or Saturn.
Document ID
19950043348
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Weisstein, Eric W.
(California Inst. of Technology, Pasadena, CA United States)
Serabyn, E.
(California Inst. of Technology, Pasadena, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 109
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
95A74947
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1448
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-93-13929
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3303
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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