Jupiter's atmospheric composition from the Cassini thermal infrared spectroscopy experiment.

Kunde, V G; Flasar, F M; Jennings, D E; Bézard, B; Strobel, D F; Conrath, B J; Nixon, C A; Bjoraker, G L et al. · Science · 2004

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Abstract

The Composite Infrared Spectrometer observed Jupiter in the thermal infrared during the swing-by of the Cassini spacecraft. Results include the detection of two new stratospheric species, the methyl radical and diacetylene, gaseous species present in the north and south auroral infrared hot spots; determination of the variations with latitude of acetylene and ethane, the latter a tracer of atmospheric motion; observations of unexpected spatial distributions of carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide, both considered to be products of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts; characterization of the morphology of the auroral infrared hot spot acetylene emission; and a new evaluation of the energetics of the northern auroral infrared hot spot.

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