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Radio Frequency Signals in Jupiter's Atmosphere
1L. J. Lanzerotti, Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, NJ 07974, and the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. K. Rinnert, Max-Planck-Institut fur Aeronomy, D-37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany. G. Dehmel, F. O. Gliem, J. Bach, Universitat Braunschweig, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany. E. P. Krider, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. M. A. Uman, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 10, 1996
Summary
Galileo probe detected significant radio signals in Jupiter's atmosphere, indicating regions that do not support lightning. Jupiter's atmosphere becomes increasingly opaque at pressures above 4 bars.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Atmospheric Physics
- Radio Astronomy
Background:
- The Galileo probe descended into Jupiter's atmosphere, equipped to measure radio frequency signals.
- Previous understanding of Jupiter's atmospheric composition and electrical activity was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure radio frequency signals during the Galileo probe's descent.
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of lightning and atmospheric opacity in Jupiter's atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the lightning and radio emission detector aboard the Galileo probe.
- Analyzing radio frequency signals at 3 and 15 kilohertz.
- Measuring signal strengths, arrival directions, and waveforms at various atmospheric pressure levels.
Main Results:
- Radio frequency signals were detected significantly above background noise.
- Signal strengths varied with depth, decreasing to a 5-bar pressure level before increasing.
- The probe traversed a region seemingly devoid of lightning, suggesting atmospheric opacity increases sharply above 4 bars.
Conclusions:
- Jupiter's atmosphere exhibits complex radio frequency behavior.
- The jovian atmosphere's opacity increases significantly at pressures greater than approximately 4 bars.
- The findings provide insights into the electrical processes and structure of Jupiter's deep atmosphere.