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Multiple Probe Measurements at Uranus Motivated By Spatial VariabilityPredictably, a major motivation for multiple atmospheric probe measurements at Uranus is the understanding of dynamic processes that create and maintain spatial variation in thermal structure, composition, and horizontal winds. But origin questions---regarding the planet's formation and evolution, and conditions in the protoplanetary disk---are also major science drivers for multiprobe exploration. Spatial variation in thermal structure reveals how the atmosphere transports heat from the interior, and measuring compositional variability in the atmosphere is key to ultimately gaining an understanding of the bulk abundances of several heavy elements. We review the current knowledge of spatial variability in Uranus' atmosphere, and we outline how multiple probe exploration would advance our understanding of this variability. The other giant planets are discussed, both to connect multiprobe exploration of those atmospheres to open questions at Uranus, and to demonstrate how multiprobe exploration of Uranus itself is motivated lessons learned about the spatial variation at Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. We outline the measurements of highest value from miniature secondary probes (which would complement more detailed investigation by a larger flagship probe), and present the path toward overcoming current challenges and uncertainties in areas including mission design, cost, trajectory, instrument maturity, power, and timeline.
Document ID
20240001957
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Michael H. Wong ORCID
(University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, United States)
Naomi Rowe-Gurney ORCID
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, United States)
Stephen Markham ORCID
(New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States)
Kunio M. Sayanagi ORCID
(Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia, United States)
Date Acquired
February 13, 2024
Publication Date
February 9, 2024
Publication Information
Publication: Space Science Reviews
Publisher: Springer Nature (United States)
Volume: 220
Issue Publication Date: February 9, 2024
ISSN: 0038-6308
e-ISSN: 1572-9672
Subject Category
Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration
Space Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 981698.01.03.23.02
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC21K0166
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC22K0804
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC19K0894
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX17AK31G
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC19K1265
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
Technical Review
External Peer Committee
Keywords
Uranus
Atmospheric probes
Planetary atmospheres
Spatial variability
Giant planets
Planet formation
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