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Equatorial X-ray Emissions: Implications for Jupiter's High Exospheric Temperatures
1J. H. Waite Jr., G. R. Gladstone, W. S. Lewis, Department of Space Science, Southwest Research Institute, Post Office Box 28510, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510, USA. P. Drossart, DESPA, Observatoire de Paris, F-92195 Meudon Cedex, France. T. E. Cravens and A. N. Maurellis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-2151, USA. B. H. Mauk, Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, MD 20723-6099, USA. S. Miller, Department of History, Philosophy, and Communication in Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 4, 1997
Summary
X-ray emissions detected at Jupiter
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Physics
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Jupiter possesses a dynamic magnetosphere with intense radiation belts.
- Previous studies suggested various mechanisms for Jupiter's thermospheric heating.
- High exospheric temperatures have been measured on Jupiter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of X-ray emissions observed at Jupiter's equatorial latitudes.
- To determine the contribution of energetic ion precipitation to Jupiter's atmospheric heating.
- To understand the energy balance of Jupiter's upper atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of X-ray emissions data from the Rontgensatellit's High Resolution Imager.
- Modeling calculations of energy deposition by precipitating heavy ions (sulfur and oxygen).
- Comparison of model results with atmospheric temperature measurements from the Galileo probe.
Main Results:
- X-ray emissions were observed originating from Jupiter's equatorial latitudes.
- These emissions are likely caused by energetic sulfur and oxygen ions precipitating from the inner radiation belt.
- Calculations show this heavy ion precipitation can significantly heat Jupiter's thermosphere.
Conclusions:
- Energetic ion precipitation is a significant heat source for Jupiter's thermosphere.
- This mechanism contributes to the high exospheric temperatures measured by the Galileo probe.
- Low-latitude energetic particle precipitation should be considered alongside other heating mechanisms.