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Triton's distorted atmosphere
J L Elliot1, J A Stansberry, C B Olkin
1Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and Department of Physics, Building 54-422, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA. jle@mit.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 23, 1997
Summary
Triton's atmosphere is not perfectly spherical, as revealed by light curve data. This asymmetry suggests the presence of supersonic winds or unusual internal mass distribution, rather than atmospheric hazes or clouds.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Astronomy
Background:
- Triton, Neptune's largest moon, possesses a tenuous atmosphere.
- Stellar occultations provide a method to probe planetary atmospheres.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of asymmetry observed in Triton's atmospheric light curve data.
- To determine the atmospheric structure and dynamics of Triton.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a stellar-occultation light curve of Triton.
- Modeling of Triton's atmosphere using spherical and non-spherical symmetry assumptions.
Main Results:
- The light curve data exhibits asymmetry, indicating Triton's middle atmosphere deviates from spherical symmetry.
- A globally oblate atmospheric model requires unrealistic parameters (internal mass distribution or supersonic winds).
- Slightly supersonic cyclostrophic winds near Triton's limbs could explain the observed asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric hazes or clouds are unlikely to be the cause of the observed light curve asymmetry.
- The asymmetry points towards significant atmospheric dynamics, potentially involving supersonic winds.
- Triton's atmosphere is dynamically complex and deviates from simple spherical models.