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Fractal Particles: Titan's Thermal Structure and IR OpacityTitan's haze particles are the principle opacity at solar wavelengths. Most past work in modeling these particles has assumed spherical particles. However, observational evidence strongly favors fractal shapes for the haze particles. We consider the implications of fractal particles for the thermal structure and near infrared opacity of Titan's atmosphere. We find that assuming fractal particles with the optical properties based on laboratory tholin material and with a production rate that allows for a match to the geometric albedo results in warmer troposphere and surface temperatures compared to spherical particles. In the near infrared (1-3 microns) the predicted opacity of the fractal particles is up to a factor of two less than for spherical particles. This has implications for the ability of Cassini to image Titan's surface at 1 micron.
Document ID
20020070284
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
McKay, C. P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Rannou, P.
(Paris Univ. France)
Guez, L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Young, E. F.
(Southwest Research Inst. United States)
DeVincenzi, Donald
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Astronomical Society Division of Planetary Sciences Annual Meeting
Location: Madison, WI
Country: United States
Start Date: October 11, 1998
End Date: October 15, 1998
Sponsors: American Astronomical Society
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 344-33-10-38
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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