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Jovian Northern Ethane Aurora and the Solar CycleThermal infrared auroral spectra from Jupiter's North polar region have been collected from 1979 to 1998 in a continuing study of long-term variability in the northern thermal IR aurora, using C2H6 emission lines near 12 microns as a probe. Data from Voyager I and 2 IRIS measurements and ground based spectral measurements were analyzed using the same model atmosphere to provide a consistent relative comparison. A retrieved equivalent mole fraction was used to compare the observed integrated emission. Short term (days), medium term (months) and long term (years) variability in the ethane emission was observed. The variability Of C2H6 emission intensities was compared to Jupiter's seasonal cycle and the solar activity cycle. A positive correlation appears to exist, with significantly greater emission and short term variability during solar maxima. Observations on 60 N latitude during increased solar activity in 1979, 1989, and most recently in 1998 show up to 5 times brighter integrated line emission of C2H6 near the north polar "hot spot" (150-210 latitude) than from the north quiescent region. Significantly lower enhancement was observed during periods of lower solar activity in 1982, 1983, 1993, and 1995. Possible sources and mechanisms for the enhancement and variability will be discussed.
Document ID
19990103596
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kostiuk,T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Livengood, T.
(Maryland Univ. Greenbelt, MD United States)
Fast, K.
(Maryland Univ. Greenbelt, MD United States)
Buhl, D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Goldstein, J.
(Challenger Center Alexandria, VA United States)
Hewagama, T.
(Challenger Center Alexandria, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Magnetospheres of the Outer Planets
Location: Paris
Country: France
Start Date: August 9, 1999
End Date: August 14, 1999
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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