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Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
06:04

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Published on: November 15, 2013

H3+ cooling in planetary atmospheres.

Steve Miller1, Tom Stallard, Henrik Melin

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. s.miller@ucl.ac.uk

Faraday Discussions
|February 10, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The trihydrogen cation (H3+) plays a key role in cooling planetary atmospheres. This study refines calculations of its energy levels, improving models of atmospheric cooling and stability.

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Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Quantum Chemistry

Background:

  • The trihydrogen cation (H3+) is crucial for atmospheric cooling and stability in planets.
  • The
  • H3+ thermostat
  • describes its role in regulating planetary temperatures.
  • Previous models using H3+ energy levels may underestimate radiative cooling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the cooling functions of H3+ in planetary atmospheres.
  • To develop improved fits for the H3+ partition function, Q(T).
  • To provide accurate data for planetary scientists studying atmospheric energy balance.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewing the role of H3+ in planetary atmospheric cooling.
  • Analyzing existing partition function calculations for H3+.
  • Developing new, more accurate fits to the H3+ partition function Q(T) based on calculated energy levels.

Main Results:

  • Identified potential underestimation of energy radiation by existing H3+ cooling functions.
  • Developed a new fit for Q(T) accurate to within 2% for 100 K to 10,000 K.
  • Provided a fit to Q(T) derived from first-principles calculations for direct use by planetary scientists.

Conclusions:

  • The H3+ ion's cooling effect in planetary atmospheres is significant and requires precise modeling.
  • Improved partition function fits enhance the accuracy of atmospheric cooling calculations.
  • This work offers better tools for understanding the thermal structure and stability of exoplanetary atmospheres.