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Strong Solar Control of Infrared Aurora on Jupiter: Correlation Since the Last Solar MaximumPolar aurorae in Jupiter's atmosphere radiate throughout the electromagnetic spectrum from X ray through mid-infrared (mid-IR, 5 - 20 micron wavelength). Voyager IRIS data and ground-based spectroscopic measurements of Jupiter's northern mid-IR aurora, acquired since 1982, reveal a correlation between auroral brightness and solar activity that has not been observed in Jovian aurora at other wavelengths. Over nearly three solar cycles, Jupiter auroral ethane emission brightness and solar 10.7 cm radio flux and sunspot number are positively correlated with high confidence. Ethane line emission intensity varies over tenfold between low and high solar activity periods. Detailed measurements have been made using the GSFC HIPWAC spectrometer at the NASA IRTF since the last solar maximum, following the mid-IR emission through the declining phase toward solar minimum. An even more convincing correlation with solar activity is evident in these data. Current analyses of these results will be described, including planned measurements on polar ethane line emission scheduled through the rise of the next solar maximum beginning in 2009, with a steep gradient to a maximum in 2012. This work is relevant to the Juno mission and to the development of the Europa Jupiter System Mission. Results of observations at the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) operated by the University of Hawaii under Cooperative Agreement no. NCC5-538 with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Science Mission Directorate, Planetary Astronomy Program. This work was supported by the NASA Planetary Astronomy Program.
Document ID
20090032660
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Kostiuk, T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Livengood, T. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Hewagama, T.
(Maryland Univ. Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
July 27, 2009
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
10857-09-ST
Meeting Information
Meeting: Magnetospheres of the Outer Planets 2009
Location: Cologne
Country: Germany
Start Date: July 27, 2009
End Date: July 31, 2009
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC 5-538
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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