Isotopic ratios in planetary atmospheres.

Recent progress on measurements of isotopic ratios in planetary or satellite atmospheres include measurements of the D/H ratio in the methane of Uranus, Neptune and Titan and in the water of Mars and Venus. Implications of these measurements on our understanding of the formation and evolution of the planets and satellite are discussed. Our current knowledge of the carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios in the atmospheres of these planets, as well as on Jupiter and Saturn, is also reviewed. We finally show what progress can be expected in the very near future due to some new ground-based instrumentation particularly well suited to such studies, and to forthcoming space missions.     

Ultraviolet observations of Jupiter from Earth-orbiting satellites

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) has provided both improved spectral resolution and some spatial resolution for UV observations of Jupiter. Previous satellite observations have produced albedo curves for Jupiter showing the influence of Rayleigh scattering, and of some absorber(s) shortward of 2500Å on the UV spectrum. Constraints on the abundance of several minor constituents of the Jovian atmosphere were derived from the OAO-2 data. The IUE low dispersion data has a resolution of 8Å, making it possible to detect individual molecular features. A series of C₂H₂ absorptions in the 1750Å region have been identified, and indications of NH₃ absorptions are present in the 1950Å region.     

Observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter from Earth orbit

In April 1972 OAO-2 obtained broadband filter measurements of the Galilean satellites from 2100 to 4300 Å. All four bodies were shown to have low albedos declining towards shorter wavelengths, thus constraining the proportions of their surfaces that could be covered by reflective frosts. Although the vast data return from Voyager spacecraft has for the first time permitted a detailed comparison of Galilean satellites with terrestrial planets, it has not removed the need for continuing long time-base observations of the former. Since January 1978, IUE has repeatedly obtained Galilean spectra within the range 1150 to 3200 Å. Observations of Io have placed an upper limit on the global abundance of SO₂ in its atmosphere. Spectral variations with phase have allowed spatial mapping of surface reflectance in the case of Io, and may enable volcanic activity to be monitored.     

由卫星的历表位置测定恒星位置

利用云南天文台1m望远镜上的1号CCD的SRT（分离读出技术）观测天王星卫星的资料,相对卫星的历表位置测定了暗恒星的位置,测定精度与目前国外天然卫星位置测定时的最好精度相当．     

Raman scattering as a probe of planetary atmospheres

The observable effects of Raman scattering on the spectra of the giant planets may provide new information on the composition and structure of these atmospheres. Satellite observations have already shown the influence of Raman scattering on the UV continuum albedo. A cross correlation technique is presented for detecting rotational and vibrational transitions of the Raman active gases in the atmosphere. This technique has been applied to ground-based visible spectra of Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. Extension of this method into the UV would improve the detectability of the Raman lines because the ratio of Raman to Rayleigh cross section increases with decreasing wavelength. The technology currently exists to efficiently obtain high signal-to-noise ratio UV spectra through the use of silicon diode array detectors. Application of the cross-correlation technique to UV spectra obtained from space vehicles would give us a new important probe of the structure and composition of planetary atmospheres by enabling us to use the UV spectra of a planet to observe that would normally be an infrared molecular transition.     

Auroral structures at Jupiter and Earth

This paper compares global structures of the aurora observed at Jupiter and Earth and our understanding of the mechanisms that produce these structures. Both planets have permanent, magnetically conjugate auroral ovals, although produced by quite different mechanisms. Both are multispectral, having been observed at X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and radio wavelengths. The brightest structures are produced by downward accelerated electron fluxes associated with upward Birkeland (magnetic-field-aligned) currents. At both planets, the auroral forms are time variable, especially at highest latitudes. The main power source for auroral emissions is planetary rotation at Jupiter, and the solar wind interaction at Earth. Thus Jupiter's auroral structures tend to be fixed with respect to magnetic (System III) longitude while Earth's are fixed with respect to local time. Earth's auroral structure is strongly dependent on the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). At Jupiter, no IMF dependence is known, but observations have not been sufficient to show such a dependence if it exists. A unique feature of Jupiter's auroral structure, with no counterpart at Earth, is the signature of the large (Galilean) satellites and, in the case of Io, even the corotational wake of the satellite.     

Vertical distribution of NH3 in the upper Jovian atmosphere from IUE observations

The first unambiguous identification of ammonia in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter has been obtained from the observation of individual NH₃ bands in an IUE high resolution spectrum in the 2100–2400 Å spectral range. The variation with wavelength of the strengths of these NH₃ bands implies that the NH₃ abundance has to be strongly reduced by photolysis in the upper jovian atmosphere. Preliminary analysis by means of scattering models shows that the ammonia mixing ratio cannot be constant with altitude. The mixing ratio NH₃/H₂ ranges from 5 10^?8 to 5 10^?7 at the 250 mb pressure level, and decreases as P or P² toward higher altitudes.     

IUE observations of globular clusters and blue horizontal branch stars

This paper presents a review of ultraviolet photometry and spectroscopy of globular clusters and blue horizontal branch stars. Current observations with IUE are placed within the framework of earlier photometric studies carried out by OAO and ANS. In order to provide basic information on the nature of the horizontal branch star, whose light dominates in the ultraviolet, observations of field horizontal branch stars as well as individual stars in globular clusters are discussed. Finally the IUE observations of globular clusters in the Magellanic Clouds are examined, since they provide a sequence spanning the age range from 7 × 10⁶ years to 10¹⁰ years.     

Ultraviolet emissions from the upper atmospheres of the planets

A large number of atoms and molecules have strong emission lines in the vacuum ultraviolet. As a result, this spectral region is particularly suited to studying the upper atmospheres of the planets. The observed emissions not only identify the constituents, but also provide information on the solar and magnetospheric excitation processes. Long term monitoring of these emissions, particularly with modest spatial resolution, can elucidate the effects of variations in the solar input as well as changes in magnetospheric conditions. Also, earth orbiting telescopes generally provide better spectral resolution than is available on flyby vehicles. A modest beginning in planetary upper atmospheric studies from earth orbit has been made using orbiting observatories designed primarily for stellar astronomy. As examples of the power of this technique, some recent results will be reviewed with an emphasis on Jupiter and the Io torus. The unusual scheduling requirements and the effects of scattered intense long wavelength radiation put demands on orbiting planetary observatories which are somewhat different from those of stellar astronomy. The implications of these demands for continued advances in this area are discussed.     

The extreme ultraviolet explorer

The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) Mission is described. The purpose of this mission is to search the celestial sphere for astronomical sources of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation (100–1000Å). The search will be accomplished with the use of three EUV telescopes, each sensitive to different bands within the EUV band. A fourth telescope will perform a high sensitivity search of a limited sample of the sky in a single EUV band. In six months, the entire sky will be scanned at a sensitivity level comparable to existing surveys in other more traditional astronomical bandpasses. A substantial number of EUV sources such as hot white dwarfs and stellar coronae are certain to be discovered given our current knowledge. More uncertain is what entirely new classes of objects will be discovered as EUV sources. A moderate resolution (～ 5Å) spectroscopy option is being considered which would cover the band from 80 to 600Å. This instrument would be capable of providing spectra of at least the 100 brightest EUV sources and would be utilized entirely on a Guest Investigator basis.     

Foreshock and magnetosheath waves at Uranus and Neptune studied with wavelet analysis

Foreshock and magnetosheath waves in Uranus and Neptune magnetospheres are studied in this work with wavelet analysis. In order to conduct this study, Voyager-2 magnetometer 3-s averaged data are used. The Morlet wavelet transform is applied to the magnetic field vector data. Waves present in the magnetosheath and foreshock regions are highly non-stationary, showing large amplitude variations. It was found that the dominant periods of these waves are longer than the H+ cyclotron period. Overall, high frequency waves are seen near the bow shock crossing and low frequency oscillations near the magnetopause crossing. It can be concluded that non-stationary foreshock and magnetosheath planetary waves can be well characterized with wavelet analysis.     

New results on planetary lightning

We present the latest observations from spacecraft and ground-based instruments in search for lightning activity in the atmospheres of planets in the solar system, and put them in context of previous research. Since the comprehensive book on planetary atmospheric electricity compiled by Leblanc et al. (2008), advances in remote sensing technology and telescopic optics enable detection of additional and new electromagnetic and optical emissions, respectively. Orbiting spacecraft such as Mars Express, Venus Express and Cassini yield new results, and we highlight the giant storm on Saturn of 2010/2011 that was probably the single most powerful thunderstorm ever observed in the solar system. We also describe theoretical models, laboratory spark experiments simulating conditions in planetary mixtures and map open issues.     

Current review of the Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus ionospheres

The ionospheres of the major planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are reviewed in light of Pioneer and Voyager observations. Some refinements to pre-Voyager theoretical models are required to explain the results, most notably the addition of significant particle ionization from ‛electroglow” and auroral processes and the need for additional chemical loss of protons via charge exchange reactions with water. Water from the Saturn rings has been identified as a major modifier of the Saturn ionosphere and water influx from satellites and/or meteorites may also be important at Jupiter and Uranus as well, as evidenced by the observed ionospheric structure and the identification of cold stratospheric carbon monoxide at Jupiter.     

JUXTA: A new probe of X-ray emission from the Jupiter system

For the future Japanese exploration mission of the Jupiter’s magnetosphere (JMO: Jupiter Magnetospheric Orbiter), a unique instrument named JUXTA (Jupiter X-ray Telescope Array) is being developed. It aims at the first in-situ measurement of X-ray emission associated with Jupiter and its neighborhood. Recent observations with Earth-orbiting satellites have revealed various X-ray emission from the Jupiter system. X-ray sources include Jupiter’s aurorae, disk emission, inner radiation belts, the Galilean satellites and the Io plasma torus. X-ray imaging spectroscopy can be a new probe to reveal rotationally driven activities, particle acceleration and Jupiter–satellite binary system. JUXTA is composed of an ultra-light weight X-ray telescope based on micromachining technology and a radiation-hard semiconductor pixel detector. It covers 0.3–2 keV with the energy resolution of <100 eV at 0.6 keV. Because of proximity to Jupiter (∼30 Jovian radii at periapsis), the image resolution of <5 arcmin and the on-axis effective area of >3 cm² at 0.6 keV allow extremely high photon statistics and high resolution observations.     

A study of chemical systems using signal flow graph theory.

Photochemistry of giant planets and their satellites is characterized by numerous reactions involving a lot of chemical species. In the present paper, chemical systems are modeled by signal flow graphs. Such a technique evaluates the transmission of any input into the system (solar flux, electrons ... ) and gives access to the identification of the most important mechanisms in the chemical system. This method is applied to the production of hydrocarbons in the atmospheres of giant planets. In particular, the production of C2H6 in the atmosphere of Neptune from the photodissociation of CH4 is investigated. Different pathways of dissociation of CH4 are possible from L alpha radiation. A chemical system containing 14 species and 30 reactions including these different pathways of dissociation is integrated. The main mechanism of production of C2H6 is identified and evaluated for each model of dissociation. The importance of various reaction pathways as a function of time is presented.     

A study of acoustic halos in active region NOAA 11330 using multi-height SDO observations

We analyze data from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instruments on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to characterize the spatio-temporal acoustic power distribution in active regions as a function of the height in the solar atmosphere. For this, we use Doppler velocity and continuum intensity observed using the magnetically sensitive line at 6173?Å as well as intensity at 1600?Å and 1700?Å. We focus on the power enhancements seen around AR 11330 as a function of wave frequency, magnetic field strength, field inclination and observation height. We find that acoustic halos occur above the acoustic cutoff frequency and extends up to 10?mHz in HMI Doppler and AIA 1700?Å observations. Halos are also found to be strong functions of magnetic field and their inclination angle. We further calculate and examine the spatially averaged relative phases and cross-coherence spectra and find different wave characteristics at different heights.     

Advances in auroral imaging from space

Space imaging of the aurora provides unique quantitative information on the instantaneous global distribution and pattern of the aurora - a direct result of particle acceleration and precipitation processes occurring throughout the magnetosphere. Techniques for imaging from space have usually involved systematically scanning a detector across the earth using some combination of satellite motion and spin, scanning mirrors, and/or electronic scanning. The recent advent of CCD image sensor arrays opens up possibilities for vastly improved sensitivity and resolution in satellite imagers, although scanning systems retain significant advantages in situations where scattered light is a problem and where narrow band optical interference filters are needed.A new type of imaging instrument being built in Canada for the Swedish Viking satellite will employ a two-dimensional CCD array detector which is fibre-optically coupled to a micro-channel plate intensifier. It will produce images of low light level auroral emissions at the rate of one image per spin of the satellite (20 seconds). The instrument operates in the vacuum ultraviolet and uses a fast inverse Cassegrain optical system. Charge is shifted in the CCD imaging array in synchronism with the moving image so that exposure times of approximately one second will be achieved.     

磁通门磁强计在深空探测中的应用

磁场测量是深空探测的重要任务之一,通过磁场可以遥感行星内部、研究行星演化历史、认知太阳系天体空间环境。基于法拉第电磁感应原理的磁通门磁强计,因空间适应性强、技术成熟度高、可靠性高等特点,是深空磁场测量最为常用的载荷。简要描述了磁通门磁强计的基本测量原理,探讨了地面和在轨标定的原理和实施方法,并介绍了磁强计在空间任务中的应用方式。目前,我国已经具备了星载高精度磁通门磁强计的研制能力。在不久的将来,磁通门磁强计有望在深空探测任务中发挥重要作用。     

Initial phase of mid-latitude aurora during strong geomagnetic storms

Analysing the initial mid-latitude aurora phase during strong geomagnetic storms we found that the initial phase of the mid-latitude aurorae observed at 630 nm emission during the strong geomagnetic storms on March 24, 1991, April 6, 2000, October 30 and November 20, 2003 is characterized by a short (∼1 h) wave-like disturbance. This disturbance corresponds to the beginning of main phase of the magnetic storms. The marked effect of the mid-latitude aurorae is analyzed using data on magnetosphere and ionosphere conditions in observation periods. The features of the dynamics of the 630 nm emission intensity and its connection with the dynamics of magnetospheric–ionospheric structures are considered. Possible excitation mechanisms of the atomic oxygen emission (630 nm) during these disturbances are discussed.     

Comparison of methods for the determination of key reactions in chemical systems: Application to Titan’s atmosphere

A new paradigm is emerging in the field of photochemistry modeling in giant planets and Titan atmospheres. The emphasis is placed on the accurate predictions of the models and the quantification of their uncertainties. In order to improve photochemical models predictions, it is necessary to identify in chemical schemes the key reactions that should be studied in priority at conditions relevant to planetary atmospheres.