Peering through Jupiter's clouds with radio spectral imaging

Journal article (2016)

Authors

I. de Pater University of California, SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research,

Robert J. Sault University of Melbourne

Bryan Butler National Radio Astronomy Observatory

David DeBoer University of California

Michael H. Wong University of California

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Published Date

03-06-2016

Language

English

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Abstract

Radio wavelengths can probe altitudes in Jupiter's atmosphere below its visible cloud layers. We used the Very Large Array to map this unexplored region down to ∼8 bar, ∼100 kilometers below the visible clouds. Our maps reveal a dynamically active planet at pressures less than 2 to 3 bar. A radio-hot belt exists, consisting of relatively transparent regions (a low ammonia concentration, NH₃ being the dominant source of opacity) probing depths to over ∼8 bar; these regions probably coincide with 5-micrometer hot spots. Just to the south we distinguish an equatorial wave, bringing up ammonia gas from Jupiter's deep atmosphere. This wave has been theorized to produce the 5-micrometer hot spots; we observed the predicted radio counterpart of such hot spots.