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Thermal structure and heat balance of the outer planetsCurrent knowledge of the thermal structure and energy balance of the outer planets is summarized. The Voyager spacecraft experiments have provided extensive new information on the atmospheric temperatures and energetics of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. All three planets show remarkably small global-scale horizontal thermal contrast, indicating efficient redistribution of heat within the atmospheres or interiors. Horizontal temperature gradients on the scale of the zonal jets indicate that the winds decay with height in the upper troposphere. This suggests that the winds are driven at deeper levels and are subjected to frictional damping of unknown origin at higher levels. Both Jupiter and Saturn have internal power sources equal to about 70 percent of the absorbed solar power. This result is consistent with the view that significant helium differentiation has occurred on Saturn. Uranus has an internal power no greater than 13 percent of the absorbed solar power, while earth-based observations suggest Neptune has an internal power in excess of 100 percent of the absorbed solar power.
Document ID
19890056420
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Conrath, B. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Hanel, R. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Samuelson, R. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89A43791
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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