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An Analysis of Cassini Observations Regarding the Structure of Jupiter's Equatorial AtmosphereA variety of intriguing atmospheric phenomena reside on both sides of Jupiter's equator. 5-micron bright hot spots and opaque plumes prominently exhibit dynamic behavior to the north, whereas compact, dark chevron-shaped features and isolated anticyclonic disturbances periodically occupy the southern equatorial latitudes. All of these phenomena are associated with the vertical and meridional perturbations of Rossby waves disturbing the mean atmospheric state. As previous observational analysis and numerical simulations have investigated the dynamics of the region, an examination of the atmosphere's vertical structure though radiative transfer analysis is necessary for improved understanding of this unique environment. Here we present preliminary analysis of a multispectral Cassini imaging data set acquired during the spacecraft's flyby of Jupiter in 2000. We evaluated multiple methane and continuum spectral channels at available viewing angles to improve constraints on the vertical structure of the haze and cloud layers comprising these interesting features. Our preliminary results indicate distinct differences in the structure for both hemispheres. Upper troposphere hazes and cloud layers are prevalent in the northern equatorial latitudes, but are not present in corresponding southern latitudes. Continued analysis will further constrain the precise structure present in these phenomena and the differences between them.
Document ID
20120015403
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Choi, David S.
(Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc. United States)
Simon-Miller, Amy A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2012
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.ABS.7056.2012
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Geophysical Union''s 45th Annual Fall Meeting
Location: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: December 3, 2012
End Date: December 7, 2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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