Sign on

SAO/NASA ADS Astronomy Abstract Service

· Find Similar Abstracts (with default settings below)
· Also-Read Articles (Reads History)
·
· Translate This Page
Title:
Radiative Transfer Modeling of Uranus' Atmospheric Structure at Equinox
Authors:
Norwood, James; Chanover, N.
Affiliation:
AA(New Mexico State Univ.), AB(New Mexico State Univ.)
Publication:
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #41, #14.01
Publication Date:
09/2009
Origin:
AAS
Bibliographic Code:
2009DPS....41.1401N

Abstract

We acquired near-infrared spectra of Uranus near equinox at NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility in September 2006 and September 2007. These spectra, taken with SpeX (R=2000), probe Uranus' atmosphere between 0.8 and 2.4 microns. The position of the slit over the Uranian disk was varied to obtain spectra from all visible latitudes. Assessment of these observations has revealed that Uranus' atmospheric structure not only changes with latitude, but also underwent notable evolution near its 2007 equinox in the twelve-month time span between datasets (2009, Icarus, in press).

We now present results from an in-depth analysis of these observations using a radiative transfer code. This code creates synthetic spectra based on model atmospheres, and utilizes the band-model methane absorption coefficients determined by Irwin et al. (2006, Icarus 181, 309-319). Properties of Uranus' atmosphere, such as methane abundance and vertical structure, are varied to determine which conditions are best able to reproduce the observed spectra. We further determine what physical changes resulted in the temporal and latitudinal variations witnessed in Uranus' atmosphere.

This project was funded by a NASA Earth and Space Fellowship.

Bibtex entry for this abstract   Preferred format for this abstract (see Preferences)
   

Find Similar Abstracts:

Use: Authors
Title
Abstract Text
Return: Query Results Return    items starting with number
Query Form
Database: Astronomy
Physics
arXiv e-prints