Ultraviolet spectroscopy of the Jovian and Saturnian auroras

• Main Authors: Durrance, S. T., Feldman, P. D., Moos, H. W.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1982
• Subjects: 89; North Pole; Jupiter
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19820023332

The results of a series of IUE observations of the north polar aurora obtained during a substantial fraction of one complete rotation of Jupiter are presented. From these data a spectrum of the aurora with high signal to noise ratio, and a resolution of about 8 A was obtained, making possible the identification of many H2 Lyman and Werner bands. The spectrum is of sufficient quality to provide reliable quantative data for a comparison with the model atmosphere calculations. The lack of an observable absorption signature makes it possible to set an upper limit on the column density of CH4 and C2H6 above the auroral emissions and hence an upper limit on the primary particle energies. A comparison of this spectrum with a laboratory spectrum of discharge excited H2 shows a remarkable similarity. The results of several IUE observations of the full disk of Saturn are also examined. The exposures were of approximately 2 hours each, and the H2 Lyman and Werner bands were observed near the north pole in two of them.