Flowing afterglow studies of temperature dependencies for electron dissociative recombination of HCNH, CH3CNH and CH3CH2CNH and their symmetrical proton-bound dimers

A study has been made using a variable temperature flowing afterglow Langmuir probe technique (VT-FALP) to determine the equilibrium temperature dependencies of the dissociative electron-ion recombination of the protonated cyanide ions (RCNH⁺, where R=H, CH₃ and C₂H₅) and their symmetrical proton-bound dimers (RCNH⁺NCR). The power law temperature dependencies of the recombination coefficients, α_e, over the temperature range 180 to 600 K for the protonated ions are α_e(T)(cm³ s⁻¹)=3.5±0.5×10⁻⁷ (300/T)^1.38 for HCNH⁺, α_e(T)=3.4±0.5×10⁻⁷ (300/T)^1.03 for CH₃CNH⁺, and α_e(T)=4.6±0.7×10⁻⁷ (300/T)^0.81 for CH₃CH₂CNH⁺. The equivalent values for the proton-bound dimers are α_e(T)(cm³ s⁻¹)=2.4±0.4×10⁻⁶(300/T)^0.5 for (HCN)₂H⁺ to α_e(T)=2.8±0.4×10⁻⁶(300/T)^0.5 for (CH₃CN)₂H⁺, and α_e(T)=2.3±0.3×10⁻⁶(300/T)^0.5 for (CH₃CH₂CN)₂H⁺. The relevance of these data to molecular synthesis in the interstellar medium and the Titan ionosphere are discussed.     

An experimental study of the reaction kinetics of C2(XΣg) with hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 and C3H8) over the temperature range 24-300 K: Implications for the atmospheres of Titan and the Giant Planets

The reactivity of C₂(X¹Σ⁺_g) with simple saturated (CH₄, C₂H₆ and C₃H₈) and unsaturated (C₂H₂ and C₂H₄) hydrocarbons has been studied in the gas phase over the temperature range 24-300 K using the CRESU (Cinétique de Réaction en Ecoulement Supersonique Uniforme or Reaction Kinetics in a Uniform Supersonic Flow) technique. All reactions have been found to be very rapid in this temperature range and the rate coefficients are typically ?10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ with the exception of methane for which the rate coefficient is one order of magnitude lower: ∼10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. These results have been analyzed in terms of potential destruction sources of C₂(X¹Σ⁺_g) in the atmospheres of Titan and the Giant Planets. It appears that the rate coefficient of the reaction ¹C₂ + CH₄ should be updated with our new data and that reactions with C₂H₂, C₂H₄ and C₂H₆ should also be included in the existing photochemical models.     

The structure, ordering and equation of state of ammonia dihydrate (nh3 · 2h2o)

We present the first ab initio simulations of the low-pressure phase of ammonia dihydrate (NH₃ · 2H₂O), ADH I, a likely constituent of many volatile-rich solid bodies in the outer Solar System (e.g., Saturn’s moons). Ordered monoclinic (space group P2₁) and orthorhombic (space group P2₁2₁2₁) variants of the experimentally observed cubic cell (space group P2₁3) may be constructed, with fully ordered water molecule orientations that obey the ice rules. Our calculations show that the most stable structure at 0 K is orthorhombic (P2₁2₁2₁), the monoclinic variants (P2₁) being energetically disfavored. We provisionally call this ordered orthorhombic phase ADH III. The, as-yet-unmeasured, bulk modulus, K₀, is predicted to be 10.67−0.44+0.56 GPa at 0 K. Our results are also combined with literature data to arrive at a revised coefficient of volume thermal expansion, α_v = 2.81 × 10⁻⁷ T^1.39 (from 0-176 K), with the density at 0 K, ρ₀ = 991.7(39) kg m⁻³. We also present a case, based on literature data, that argues for a gradual transformation from a paraelectrically disordered cubic structure (P2₁3) to the proposed antiferroelectrically ordered orthorhombic structure (P2₁2₁2₁) around 130-150 K (cf. ice III → IX), a temperature regime that applies to the surfaces and interiors of many medium-sized (radii ∼500-700 km) icy bodies.     

The role of organic haze in Titan's atmospheric chemistry: I. Laboratory investigation on heterogeneous reaction of atomic hydrogen with Titan tholin

In Titan's atmosphere consisting of N₂ and CH₄, large amounts of atomic hydrogen are produced by photochemical reactions during the formation of complex organics. This atomic hydrogen may undergo heterogeneous reactions with organic aerosol in the stratosphere and mesosphere of Titan. In order to investigate both the mechanisms and kinetics of the heterogeneous reactions, atomic deuterium is irradiated onto Titan tholin formed from N₂ and CH₄ gas mixtures at various surface-temperatures of the tholin ranging from 160 to 310 K. The combined analyses of the gas species and the exposed tholin indicate that the interaction mechanisms of atomic deuterium with the tholin are composed of three reactions; (a) abstraction of hydrogen from tholin resulting in gaseous HD formation (HD recombination), (b) addition of D atom into tholin (hydrogenation), and (c) removal of carbon and/or nitrogen (chemical erosion). The reaction probabilities of HD recombination and hydrogenation are obtained as ηabst=1.9(±0.6)×¹⁰⁻³×exp(−300/T) and ηhydro=2.08(±0.64)×exp(−1000/T), respectively. The chemical erosion process is very inefficient under the conditions of temperature range of Titan's stratosphere and mesosphere. Under Titan conditions, the rates of hydrogenation > HD recombination ? chemical erosion. Our measured HD recombination rate is about 10 times (with an uncertainty of a factor of 3-5) the prediction of previous theoretical model. These results imply that organic aerosol can remove atomic hydrogen efficiently from Titan's atmosphere through the heterogeneous reactions and that the presence of aerosol may affect the subsequent organic chemistry.     

First Spitzer observations of Neptune: Detection of new hydrocarbons

We present the first spectra of Neptune taken with the Spitzer Space Telescope, highlighting the high-sensitivity, moderate-resolution 10-20 μm (500-1000 cm⁻¹) spectra. We report the discovery of methylacetylene (CH₃C₂H) and diacetylene (C₄H₂) with derived 0.1-mbar volume mixing ratios of (1.2±0.1)×¹⁰⁻¹⁰ and (3±1)×¹⁰⁻¹² respectively.     

Tremolite decomposition on Venus II. Products, kinetics, and mechanism

We present revised tremolite powder thermal decomposition kinetics using previous and newly acquired data from longer time (years instead of months) and lower temperature experiments (<1073 K). We also present kinetic results for decomposition of millimeter- to centimeter-sized tremolite grains. Natural tremolite samples were heated at ambient pressure in flowing CO₂ or N₂ gas from 1023-1238 K. The tremolite decomposition products are a physical mixture of two pyroxene solid solutions (with the bulk composition Dp₅₉En₄₁), a silica polymorph, and water vapor. Decomposition rates were calculated by using the mass loss of the heated samples. Tremolite crystals and crystalline powder decompositions follow different but related Avrami-Erofe'ev (nucleation and growth) kinetic models. The rate equations for thermal decomposition of tremolite crystalline powder and the larger crystal grains are log₁₀k_powder (h⁻¹)=18.69(±0.19)−23,845(±833)/T and log₁₀k_crystal (h⁻¹)=19.82(±0.07)−25,670(±916)/T. The associated apparent activation energies are 456(±16) kJ mol⁻¹ and 491(±18) kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. We propose a decomposition mechanism and suggest that decomposition and dehydroxylation occur simultaneously. The rate-limiting step is proposed to be structural rearrangement of the amphibole structure to the two pyroxenes and silica. This step and the overall decomposition rate are predicted to be independent of pressure from 1 to 100 bars. These kinetic analyses strengthen our previous conclusion (Johnson and Fegley, 2000, Icarus 146, 301-306) that if hydrous minerals, such as tremolite, formed on Venus during a wetter past, then these minerals could still exist at current conditions on Venus' surface today.     

Recombination of electrons with H3+ and H5+ ions

The dissociative recombination coefficients α for capture of electrons by H₃⁺ and H₅⁺ ions have been determined as a function of electron temperature T_e using a microwave afterglow-mass spectrometer apparatus. At ion and neutral temperatures T_u+ = T_n = 240 K, the coefficient α (H₃⁺) is found to vary slowly with T_e at first, decreasing from 1.6 × 10^?7 cm³/s at T_e = 240 K to 1.2 × 10^?7 cm³/s at T_e = 500 K, thereafter falling as T_e^?1 over the range 500 K ? T_e, ? 3000 K. These results, which have a ± 20% uncertainty, agree satisfactorily over the common energy range (0.03–0.36 eV) with the recombination cross sections determined in merged beam measurements by Auerbach et al. At T₊ = T_n = 128 K, the coefficient α(H₅⁺) is found to be (1.8 ± 0.3) × 10^?6 [T_e(K)/300]^?0.69 cm³/s over the range 128 K ? T_e ? 3000 K, with a more rapid decrease, as T_e^?1, between 3000 K and 5500 K. The implications of these results for modelling planetary atmospheres and interstellar clouds are briefly touched on.     

Titania's radius and an upper limit on its atmosphere from the September 8, 2001 stellar occultation

On September 8, 2001 around 2 h UT, the largest uranian moon, Titania, occulted Hipparcos star 106829 (alias SAO 164538, a V=7.2, K0 III star). This was the first-ever observed occultation by this satellite, a rare event as Titania subtends only 0.11 arcsec on the sky. The star's unusual brightness allowed many observers, both amateurs or professionals, to monitor this unique event, providing fifty-seven occultations chords over three continents, all reported here. Selecting the best 27 occultation chords, and assuming a circular limb, we derive Titania's radius: (1-σ error bar). This implies a density of using the value derived by Taylor [Taylor, D.B., 1998. Astron. Astrophys. 330, 362-374]. We do not detect any significant difference between equatorial and polar radii, in the limit , in agreement with Voyager limb image retrieval during the 1986 flyby. Titania's offset with respect to the DE405 + URA027 (based on GUST86 theory) ephemeris is derived: ΔαTcos(δT)=−108±13 mas and ΔδT=−62±7 mas (ICRF J2000.0 system). Most of this offset is attributable to a Uranus' barycentric offset with respect to DE405, that we estimate to be: and ΔδU=−85±25 mas at the moment of occultation. This offset is confirmed by another Titania stellar occultation observed on August 1st, 2003, which provides an offset of ΔαTcos(δT)=−127±20 mas and ΔδT=−97±13 mas for the satellite. The combined ingress and egress data do not show any significant hint for atmospheric refraction, allowing us to set surface pressure limits at the level of 10-20 nbar. More specifically, we find an upper limit of 13 nbar (1-σ level) at 70 K and 17 nbar at 80 K, for a putative isothermal CO₂ atmosphere. We also provide an upper limit of 8 nbar for a possible CH₄ atmosphere, and 22 nbar for pure N₂, again at the 1-σ level. We finally constrain the stellar size using the time-resolved star disappearance and reappearance at ingress and egress. We find an angular diameter of 0.54±0.03 mas (corresponding to projected at Titania). With a distance of 170±25 parsecs, this corresponds to a radius of 9.8±0.2 solar radii for HIP 106829, typical of a K0 III giant.     

The CH4 Density in the Upper Atmosphere of Titan

Previous modeling by Banaszkiewicz et al. (2000a,b) showed that the CH₄ thermospheric mixing ratio on Titan could vary as much as 35-40% due to ion-neutral chemical reactions. A new vertical methane profile has been computed by simultaneously modifying the stratospheric methane mixing ratio and the K(z) previously considered by Lara et al. (1996) and Banaszkiewicz et al. (2000a,b). A satisfactory fit of the methane thermospheric abundance and stratospheric mixing ratio of other minor constituents is achieved by placing the homopause at ∼1000 km and increasing the methane stratospheric mixing ratio (q_CH4) up to 3.8%. The new proposed eddy diffusion coefficient steadily rises from 1×10⁷ cm² s⁻¹ at 700 km to 1×10¹⁰ cm² s⁻¹ at 1500 km, whereas the stratospheric values are in the range (4-20)×10³ cm² s⁻¹. Other likely ionization sources that can influence the methane distribution are (i) a metallic ion layer produced by micrometeoroid infall and (ii) frequent X-rays solar flares. Analysis of the effects of these ionization sources on the methane distribution indicates that, unlike previously assumed, CH₄ can suffer considerable variations. These variations, although proved in this work, must be cautiously regarded since several assumptions have to be made on the rate of N₂ and CH₄ ionization by the processes previously mentioned. Hence, these results are only indicative of methane sensitivity to ionospheric chemistry.     

Experimental study on the rheological properties of polycrystalline solid nitrogen and methane: Implications for tectonic processes on Triton

To investigate the evolution of any processes on planetary surfaces in the outer Solar System, the rheological properties of non-water ices were studied by means of a sound velocity measurement system and a uniaxial deformation apparatus. A pulse transmission method was used to obtain longitudinal (V_p) and transverse (V_s) wave velocities through solid nitrogen and methane at temperatures ranging from 5 to 64 K and from 5 to 90 K, respectively. The measured velocities confirmed that the solid methane and solid nitrogen samples were non-porous polycrystalline samples without any cracks and bubbles inside. Compression tests at constant strain-rate were performed for solid nitrogen and methane at temperatures of 5-56 K and 5-77 K, respectively, at strain-rates of 10⁻⁴-10⁻² s⁻¹. Both brittle and ductile behavior was observed for solid nitrogen and methane under these conditions. The maximum strength of solid nitrogen was observed to be 9 MPa in the brittle failure mode, and that of solid methane was 10 MPa. These low strengths cannot support cantaloupe structures with the topographic undulation larger than several kilometers found on Triton’s surface, suggesting that other materials such as H₂O ice could underlay solid methane and nitrogen and support these structures.     

Titan’s atomic hydrogen corona

Based on measurements performed by the Hydrogen Deuterium Absorption Cell (HDAC) aboard the Cassini orbiter, Titan’s atomic hydrogen exosphere is investigated. Data obtained during the T9 encounter are used to infer the distribution of atomic hydrogen throughout Titan’s exosphere, as well as the exospheric temperature.The measurements performed during the flyby are modeled by performing Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations of solar Lyman-α radiation, which is resonantly scattered on atomic hydrogen in Titan’s exosphere. Two different atomic hydrogen distribution models are applied to determine the best fitting density profile. One model is a static model that uses the Chamberlain formalism to calculate the distribution of atomic hydrogen throughout the exosphere, whereas the second model is a Particle model, which can also be applied to non-Maxwellian velocity distributions.The density distributions provided by both models are able to fit the measurements although both models differ at the exobase: best fitting exobase atomic hydrogen densities of n_H = (1.5 ± 0.5) × 10⁴ cm⁻³ and n_H = (7 ± 1) × 10⁴ cm⁻³ were found using the density distribution provided by both models, respectively. This is based on the fact that during the encounter, HDAC was sensitive to altitudes above about 3000 km, hence well above the exobase at about 1500 km. Above 3000 km, both models produce densities which are comparable, when taking into account the measurement uncertainty.The inferred exobase density using the Chamberlain profile is a factor of about 2.6 lower than the density obtained from Voyager 1 measurements and much lower than the values inferred from current photochemical models. However, when taking into account the higher solar activity during the Voyager flyby, this is consistent with the Voyager measurements. When using the density profile provided by the particle model, the best fitting exobase density is in perfect agreement with the densities inferred by current photochemical models.Furthermore, a best fitting exospheric temperature of atomic hydrogen in the range of T_H = (150-175) ± 25 K was obtained when assuming an isothermal exosphere for the calculations. The required exospheric temperature depends on the density distribution chosen. This result is within the temperature range determined by different instruments aboard Cassini. The inferred temperature is close to the critical temperature for atomic hydrogen, above which it can escape hydrodynamically after it diffused through the heavier background gas.     

Detection of C2HD and the D/H ratio on Titan

We report here the first detection of mono-deuterated acetylene (acetylene-d1, C₂HD) in Titan's atmosphere from the presence of two of its emission bands at 678 and 519 cm⁻¹ as observed in CIRS spectral averages of nadir and limb observations taken between July 2004 and mid-2007. By using new laboratory spectra for this molecule, we were able to derive its abundance at different locations over Titan's disk. We find the C₂HD value () to be roughly constant with latitude from the South to about 45° N and then to increase slightly in the North, as is the case for C₂H₂. Fitting the 678 cm⁻¹ν₅ band simultaneously with the nearby C₂H₂ 729 cm⁻¹ν₅ band, allows us to infer a D/H ratio in acetylene on Titan with an average of the modal values of 2.09±0.45×¹⁰⁻⁴ from the nadir observations, the uncertainties being mainly due to the vertical profile used for the fit of the acetylene band. Although still subject to significant uncertainty, this D/H ratio appears to be significantly larger than the one derived in methane from the CH₃D band (upper limit of 1.5×¹⁰⁻⁴; Bézard, B., Nixon, C.A., Kleiner, I., Jennings, D.E., 2007. Icarus, 191, 397-400; Coustenis, A., Achterberg, R., Conrath, B., Jennings, D., Marten, A., Gautier, D., Bjoraker, G., Nixon, C., Romani, P., Carlson, R., Flasar, M., Samuelson, R.E., Teanby, N., Irwin, P., Bézard, B., Orton, G., Kunde, V., Abbas, M., Courtin, R., Fouchet, Th., Hubert, A., Lellouch, E., Mondellini, J., Taylor, F.W., Vinatier, S., 2007. Icarus 189, 35-62). From the analysis of limb data we infer D/H values of (at 54° S), (at 15° S), (at 54° N) and (at 80° N), which average to a mean value of 1.63±0.27×¹⁰⁻⁴.     

Water production and release in Comet 153P/Ikeya-Zhang (C/2002 C1): accurate rotational temperature retrievals from hot-band lines near 2.9-μm

Multiple non-resonance fluorescence lines of water (H₂O) were detected in Comet 153/P Ikeya-Zhang (2002 C1) between UT 2002 March 21.9 (R_h=0.51 AU) and April 13.9 (R_h=0.78 AU), using the Cryogenic Echelle Spectrometer (CSHELL) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. Analysis of 2.9-μm water lines enabled accurate determination of rotational temperatures on three dates. The derived H₂O rotational temperatures were 138⁺⁶₋₅, 141⁺¹⁰₋₉, and 94±3 K on UT 2002 March 22.0, March 23.0, and April 13.8, respectively. Water production rates were retrieved from spectral lines measured in nineteen separate grating settings over seven observing periods. The derived heliocentric dependence of the water production rate was Q=(9.2±1.1)×10²⁸[R_h^{(−3.21±0.26)}] molecules s⁻¹. The spatial distribution of H₂O in the coma was consistent with its release directly from the nucleus (as a native source) on all dates.     

The atmospheric signature of Io's Prometheus plume and anti-jovian hemisphere: evidence for a sublimation atmosphere

Using the Hubble Space Telescope's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph we have obtained for the first time spatially resolved 2000-3000 Å spectra of Io's Prometheus plume and adjoining regions on Io's anti-jovian hemisphere in the latitude range 60° N-60° S, using a 0.1″ slit centered on Prometheus and tilted roughly 45° to the spin axis. The SO₂ column density peaked at 1.25×10¹⁷ cm⁻² near the equator, with an additional 5×10¹⁶ cm⁻² enhancement over Prometheus corresponding to a model volcanic SO₂ output of 10⁵ kg s⁻¹. Apart from the Prometheus peak, the SO₂ column density dropped fairly smoothly away from the subsolar point, even over regions that included potential volcanic sources. At latitudes less than ±30°, the dropoff rate was consistent with control by vapor pressure equilibrium with surface frost with subsolar temperature 117.3±0.6 K, though SO₂ abundance was higher than predicted by vapor pressure control at mid-latitudes, especially in the northern hemisphere. We conclude that, at least at low latitudes on the anti-jovian hemisphere where there are extensive deposits of optically-thick SO₂ frost, the atmosphere is probably primarily supported by sublimation of surface frost. Although the 45° tilt of our slit prevents us from separating the dependence of atmospheric density on solar zenith angle from its dependence on latitude, the pattern is consistent with a sublimation atmosphere regardless of which parameter is the dominant control. The observed drop in gas abundance towards higher latitudes is consistent with the interpretation of previous Lyman alpha images of Io as indicating an atmosphere concentrated at low latitudes. Comparison with previous disk-resolved UV spectroscopy, Lyman-alpha images, and mid-infrared spectroscopy suggests that Io's atmosphere is denser and more widespread on the anti-jovian hemisphere than at other longitudes. SO₂ gas temperatures were in the range of 150-250 K over the majority of the anti-jovian hemisphere, consistent with previous observations. SO was not definitively detected in our spectra, with upper limits to the SO/SO₂ ratio in the range 1-10%, roughly consistent with previous observations. S₂ gas was not seen anywhere, with an upper limit of 7.5×10¹⁴ cm⁻² for the Prometheus plume, confirming that this plume is significantly poorer in S₂ than the Pele plume (S₂ /SO₂<0.005, compared to 0.08-0.3 at Pele). In addition to the gas absorption signatures, we have observed continuum emission in the near ultraviolet (near 2800 Å) for the first time. The brightness of the observed emission was directly correlated with the SO₂ abundance, strongly peaking in the equatorial region over Prometheus. Emission brightness was modestly anti-correlated with the jovian magnetic latitude, decreasing when Io intersected the torus centrifugal equator.     

Detection of the Forbidden SO aΔ→XΣ Rovibronic Transition on Io at 1.7 μm

We report the discovery of the forbidden electronic a¹Δ→X³Σ⁻ transition of the SO radical on Io at 1.7 μm with the W. M. Keck II telescope on 24 September 1999 (UT), while the satellite was eclipsed by Jupiter. The shape of the SO emission band suggests a rotational temperature of ∼1000 K; i.e., the gas is extremely hot. We interpret the observed emission rate of ∼2×10²⁷ photons s⁻¹ to be caused by SO molecules in the excited a¹Δ state being directly ejected from the vent at a thermodynamic quenching temperature of ∼1500 K, assuming a SO/SO₂ abundance ratio of ∼0.1 and a total venting rate of ∼10³¹ molecules s⁻¹ (Strobel and Wolven 2001, Astrophys. Space Sci. 277, 1-17). The shape of our complete (1.6-2.5 μm) spectrum suggests that the volcano Loki contains a small (∼2 km²) hot spot at 960±12 K, as well as a larger (∼50 km²) area at 640±5 K.     

Infrared spectroscopy of crystalline and amorphous diacetylene (C4H2) and implications for Titan's atmospheric composition

New laboratory spectra of crystalline and amorphous diacetylene ice have been recorded in the range of 7000-500 cm⁻¹ (1.4-20 μm) to aid in the identification of solid diacetylene on Saturn's moon Titan. We have established that amorphous diacetylene ice is stable only at temperatures less than 70±1 K. With respect to observations on Titan, the best approach would be to utilize future space-based telescopes to search for the ν₄ (3277/3271 cm⁻¹) in absorption against the reflected light from the sun and the slightly weaker ν₈ absorption bands (676/661 cm⁻¹) in absorption against the continuum emission.     

Spectro-imaging observations of Jupiter's 2-μm auroral emission. I. H3 distribution and temperature

We report on spectro-imaging infrared observations of Jupiter's auroral zones, acquired in October 1999 and October 2000 with the FTS/BEAR instrument at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. The use of narrow-band filters at 2.09 and 2.12 μm, combined with high spectral resolution (0.2 cm⁻¹), allowed us to map emission from the H₂S₁(1) quadrupole line and from several H₃⁺ lines. The H₂ and H₃⁺ emission appears to be morphologically different, especially in the north, where the latter notably exhibits a “hot spot” near 150°-170° System III longitude. This hot spot coincides in position with the region of increased and variable hydrocarbon, FUV and X-ray emission, but is not seen in the more uniform H₂S₁(1) emission. We also present the first images of the H₂ emission in the southern polar region. The spectra include a total of 14 H₃⁺ lines, including two hot lines from the 3ν₂-ν₂ band, detected on Jupiter for the first time. They can be used to determine H₃⁺ column densities, rotational (T_rot) and vibrational (T_vib) temperatures. We find the mean T_vib of the v₂=3 state to be lower (960±50 K) than the mean T_rot in v₂=2 (1170±75 K), indicating an underpopulation of the v₂=3 level with respect to local thermodynamical equilibrium. Rotational temperatures and associated column densities are generally higher and lower, respectively, than inferred previously from ν₂ observations. This is a likely consequence of a large positive temperature gradient in the sub-microbar auroral atmosphere. While the signal-to-noise is not sufficient to take full advantage of the 2-D capabilities of the observations, the search for correlations between line intensities, T_vib and column densities, indicates that variations in line intensities are mostly due to correlated variations in the H₃⁺ column densities. The thermostatic role played by H₃⁺ at ionospheric levels may provide an explanation. The exception is the northern “hot spot,” which exhibits a T_vib about 250 K higher than other regions. A partial explanation might invoke a homopause elevation in this region, but a fully consistent scenario is not yet available. The different distributions of the H₂ and H₃⁺ emission are equally difficult to explain.     

Molecular and low excitation emission in high mass post-main-sequence nebulae

We have undertaken mapping and spectroscopy of a broad range of type I post-Main-Sequence nebulae in COJ=1→0,J=2→1, andJ=3→2, using the 12 m antenna at Kitt Peak, and the 45 m facility of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory. As a consequence, we find COJ=2→1 emission associated with NGC 3132 and NGC 6445, determine the location of COJ=1→0 emission in the nucleus of NGC 6302, and obtain (for the first time) COJ=3→2 spectroscopy for a substantial cross-section of type I sources. LVG analysis of the results suggests densitiesn(H₂) ～ 10⁴ cm^?3, and velocity gradients dv/dr ～ 2×10² in both NGC 7027 and CRL 618, commensurate with uniform expansion of a constant velocity outflow, whilst for the case of NGC 2346 these values probably exceedn(H₂) ～ 4.0×10⁵ cm^?3. dv/dr ～ 2.6×10³ km s^?1 andT _k ～10² K, implying appreciable compression (and shock heating?) of the CO excitation zone. Hi masses extend over a typical range 0.01<M(Hi)/M _⊙<1, whilst corresponding estimates of the progenitor mass imply 0.7<M _prog/M _⊙<2.3; values significantly in excess of those pertinent for normal PN, although somewhat at the lower end of the type I mass range. COJ=3→2 profiles for CRL 2688 confirm the presence of an extended plateau with width Δv～85 km s^?1, whilst modestJ=3→2 enhancement is also observed for the high-velocity components in NGC 7027. TheJ=3→2 spectrum for NGC 2346 appears to mimic lower-frequency results reasonably closely, confirming the presence of a double-peaked structure towards the core, and predominantly unitary profiles to the north and south, whilst there is also evidence to suggest appreciableJ=3→2 asymmetry in CRL 618 compared to lower-frequency measures. The status of an extended cloud near HB 5 remains uncertain, although this clearly represents a remarkably complex region with velocity span ΔV～50 km s^?1. Our presentJ=3→2 results appear to track lower frequency measures extremely closely, implying local densitiesn(H₂)>3×10³ cm^?3—although temperatures close to theV _lsr of HB 5 are relatively weak, and of orderT _MB (J=3→2)≤0.9 K. Finally, as a result of both this, and previous investigations we find that of type I sources so far observed in CO, some ～42% appear to possess detectable levels of emissionT _r ^* >0.1 K. Similarly, in cross-correlating this data with other results, we note a closely linear relation betweenJ=2→1 antenna temperaturesT _MB, and the surface brightness of H₂ S(1) quadrupole emissionS(H₂)—a trend which appears also to be reflected betweenS(H₂) and corresponding parameters for [Oi], [Oii], [Ni], [Nii], and [Sii]. Such relations almost certainly arise from comparable secular variations in line intensities, although the CO, H₂, and optical emission components are likely to derive from disparate line excitation zones. As a consequence, it is clear that whilst H₂ S(1) emission is probably enhanced as a result of local shock activity, the evidence for post-shock excitation of the CO and optical forbidden lines is at best marginal. Similarly, although it seems likely that CO emission derives from circum-nebular Hi shells with kinetic temperatureT _k ～ 30 K or greater, the predominant fraction of low-excitation emission arises from a mix of charge exchange reactions, nebular stratification and, probably most importantly, the influence of UV shadow zones and associated neutral inclusions.     

The ion mass loading rate at Io

The Io plasma torus, composed of mostly heavy ions of oxygen and sulfur, is sustained by an Iogenic mass loading rate of ∼10³⁰ amu s⁻¹ = 1.6 × 10²⁸ SO₂ s⁻¹ or approximately 10³ kg s⁻¹(A.L. Broadfoot et al., 1979, Science 204, 979-982). We argue on the basis of available power sources, reanalysis of F. Bagenal (1997, Geophys. Res. Lett. 24, 2111-2114), HST UV remote sensing, and detailed model calculations that at most 20% of this mass leaves Io in the form of ions, i.e., ≤3 × 10²⁷ × (n_e,0/3600 cm⁻³) ions s⁻¹, where n_e,0 is the average torus electron density. For the Galileo spacecraft Io pass in December 1995, the ion mass loading rate was ≤3 × 10²⁷ ions s⁻¹, whereas for the Voyager epoch with lower n_e,0 (=2000 cm⁻³), this rate would be ≤1.7 × 10²⁷ ions s⁻¹, consistent with the D.E. Shemansky (1980, Astrophys. J. 242, 1266-1277) mass loading limit of ≤1 × 10²⁷ ions s⁻¹. We investigate the processes that control Io’s large scale electrodynamic interaction and find that the elastic collision rate exceeds the ionization/pickup rate by at least a factor of 5 for all atmospheric column densities considered (10¹⁶-10²¹ m⁻²) and by a factor of ∼100 for the most realistic column density. Consequently, elastic collisions are mostly responsible for Io’s high conductances and thus generate Io’s large scale electrodynamic interaction such as the generation of Io’s electric current system and the slowing of the plasma flow. The electrodynamic part of Io’s interaction is thus best described as an ionosphere-like interaction rather than a comet-like interaction. An analytic expression for total electron impact rates is derived for Io’s atmosphere, which is independent of any particular model for the 3D interaction of torus electrons with its atmosphere.     

FT-IR measurements of cold C3H8 cross sections at 7–15 μm for Titan atmosphere

We present absorption cross sections of propane (C₃H₈) at temperatures from 145 K to 297 K in the 690–1550 cm⁻¹ region. Pure and N₂-broadened spectra were measured at pressures from 3 Torr to 742 Torr using a Bruker IFS125 FT-IR spectrometer at JPL. The gas absorption cell, developed at Connecticut College, was cooled by a closed-cycle helium refrigerator. The cross sections were measured and compiled for individual spectra recorded at various experimental conditions covering the planetary atmosphere and Titan. In addition to the cross sections, a propane pseudoline list with a frequency grid of 0.005 cm⁻¹, was fitted to the 34 laboratory spectra. Line intensities and lower state energies were retrieved for each line, assuming a constant width. Validation tests showed that the pseudoline list reproduces discrete absorption features and continuum, the latter contributed by numerous weak and hot band features, in most of the observed spectra within 3%. Based on the pseudoline list, the total intensity in the 690–1550 cm⁻¹ region was determined to be 52.93 (±3%) × 10⁻¹⁹ cm⁻¹/(molecule cm⁻²) at 296 K; this value is within 3% of the average from four earlier studies. Finally, the merit of the pseudoline approach is addressed for heavy polyatomic molecules in support of spectroscopic observation of atmospheres of Titan and other planets. The cold cross sections will be submitted to the HITRAN database (hitran.harvard.edu), and the list of C₃H₈ pseudolines will be available from a MK-IV website of JPL (http://mark4sun.jpl.nasa.gov/data/spec/Pseudo).