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Planetary SpectroscopyThe goal of this task is to acquire physical data on the atmospheres of the outer planets and Titan by means of ground-based spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and spectral imaging at visible to near-infrared wavelengths (approximately 0.3 to 2.5 micrometer). These data constrain physical parameters which characterize properties and distribution of aerosols in the atmospheres of these bodies. Reduced spectral imaging of Neptune was accomplished. The data were analyzed in several ways. Direct inspection of images reveals the distribution of discrete clouds in the atmosphere, which indicate that the global distribution of clouds has changed since earlier imaging. Disk-integrated photometry obtained from the images demonstrates that the diurnal variability at methane-band wavelengths is caused by the presence of discrete clouds; short-term variability is also seen in the rotational light curve, providing evidence for modification of cloud structure on the planet. The center-to-limb brightness profiles of the equatorial region of Neptune were analyzed, which provided constraints on the location, albedos, and optical depths of aerosol scattering layers in the troposphere and lower stratosphere.
Document ID
19890007262
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Bergstralh, Jay T. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington, Reports of Planetary Astronomy,
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89N16633
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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