Formation of spectral lines in planetary atmosphere IV. Theoretical evidence for structure of the jovian clouds from spectroscopic observations of methane and hydrogen quadrupole lines

The theory of formation of pressure-broadened methane lines and collision-narrowed hydrogen quadrupole lines in a Jovian atmosphere is studied in detail for a physically realistic model of the planet's lower atmosphere. Only observations of the center-to-limb (CTL) variations of the equivalent width of absorption lines for both of these molecules can identify the structure of the visible cloud layers. Observations of the CTL variation of methane and hydrogen quadrupole lines are the most suitable for studying the Jovian atmosphere. The CTL variations for hydrogen are much greater and more sensitive to variations of the properties of the thin upper tropospheric cloud layer than the corresponding observations of methane lines. A detailed comparison of hydrogen quadrupole with methane lines is made for the same continuum conditions, enabling us to develop a detailed understanding of the formation of the collision-narrowed hydrogen quadrupole lines in a Jovian atmosphere.     

Voyager 1 imaging and IRIS observations of Jovian methane absorption and thermal emission: Implications for cloud structure

Images from three filters of the Voyager 1 wide-angle camera were used to measure the continuum reflectivity and spectral gradient near 6000 Å and the 6190-Å band methane/continuum ratio for a variety of cloud features in Jupiter's atmosphere. The dark “barge” features in the North Equatorial Belt have anomalously strong positive continuum spectral gradients suggesting unique composition, probably not elemental sulfur. Methane absorption was shown at unprecedented spatial scales for the Great Red Spot and its immediate environment, for a dark barge feature in the North Equatorial Belt, and for two hot spot and plume regions in the North Equatorial Belt. Some small-scale features, unresolvable at ground-based resolution, show significant enhancement in methane absorption. Any enhancement in methane absorption is conspicuously absent in both hot spot regions with 5-μm brightness temperature 255°K. Methane absorption and 5-μm emission are correlated in the vicinity of the Great Red Spot but are anticorrelated in one of the plume hot spot regions. Methane absorption and simultaneously maps of 5-μm brightness temperature were quantitatively compared to realistic cloud structure models which include multiple scattering at 5 μm as well as in the visible. A curve in parameter space defines the solution to any observed quantity, ranging from a shallow atmosphere and thin NH₃ cloud to a deep atmosphere with a thick ammonia cloud. Without additional constraints, such as center-to-limb information, it is impossible to specify the NH₃ cloud optical depth and pressure of a deeper cloud top independently. Variability in H₂ quadrupole lines was also investigated and it was found that the constancy of the 4-0 S(1)-line equivalent width is consistent with the constancy of the methane 6190-Å band equivalent width at ground-based resolution, but the much greater variability of the 3-0 S(1) line is inconsistent with either the methane band or 4-0 S(1) line. In hot spot regions the 255°K brightness temperature requires a cloud optical depth of about 2 or less at 5 μm in the NH₃ cloud layer. To be consistent with the observed 6190-Å methane absorption in hot spot regions, the NH₃ cloud optical depth in the visible is about 7.5, implying that aerosols in hot spot regions have effective radii near 1 μm or less.     

Jupiter: An inhomogeneous atmospheric model analysis of spatial variations of the H2 4-0 S(1) line

An analysis of the structure of the Jovian atmosphere, primarily based on center-to-limb variations (CTLV) of the equivalent width of the hydrogen quadrupole 4-0 S(1) line, is presented. These data require that the atmosphere have regions of both long- and short- scattering mean free paths. Two alternative cloud structures which fit the data are developed. The first is a two-cloud model (TCM) consisting of a thin upper cloud and a lower semi-infinite cloud, with absorbing gas between the clouds and above the upper cloud. The second model is a reflecting-scattering model (RSM), in which a gas layer lies above a haze consisting of scattering particles and absorbing gas. The cloud-scattering phase function in both models must have a strong forward peak. The CTLV data require, however, the presence of a backscattering lobe on the phase function, with the backscattering intensity about 4% of the forward scattering. The decrease in reflectivity of all regions from the visible to the ultraviolet is explained by the presence of dust particles mixed with the gas. Most of the ultraviolet absorption in the atmosphere must occur above the upper cloud layer. Particles with a uniform distribution of radii from 0.0 to 0.1 μm with a complex index of refraction varying as λ^?2.5 are used. The contrast in reflectivity between belts and zones may be explained by the larger concentration of dust in the belts than in the zones. Spatially resolved ultraviolet limb-darkening curves will help to determine the dust distribution of the Jovian atmosphere. The visible methane bands at λλ 6190, 5430, and 4860 Å are analyzed in terms of these models. We derive a methane-to-hydrogen mixing ratio of 2.8 × 10^?3, which is about 4.5 times the value for solar composition.     

Longitudinal variability of methane and ammonia bands on jupiter: II. Temporal variations

A set of spectra was obtained of the Jovian Equatorial Zone central meridian 6190 Å CH₄ and 6450 Å NH₃ bands in February 1980, a year after the data reported by W.D. Cochran and A.L. Cochran ((1980) Icarus42, 102–110). These new data confirm the results of the previous study, and also permit a search for temporal, as well as longitudinal, variability of these molecular absorption bands. The new data set shows a correlation of NH₃ and CH₄ equivalent widths, as well as a lack of any strong correlation of red continuum reflectivity with equivalent width. These trends were also exhibited by the 1979 data. Longitude regions of larger or smaller than average equivalent width seem still to be evident a year later, with some slight drift in longitude. An increase in the average CH₄ and NH₃ equivalent width over the entire planet was detected during the one year interval. This is easily understood as the result of a global decrease in the mean altitude of the NH₃ cloud.     

Absorption line studies of reflection from horizontally inhomogeneous layers

A discussion of literature relevant to horizontal inhomogeneities in planetary atmospheres shows this to be an increasingly important yet largely unexplored topic. Section II details an inhomogeneous reflecting layer (IRFL) model designed to survey absorption line behavior from a Squires-like cloud cover (which is characterized by convection cell structure). Computational problems and procedures are discussed in detail, with results presented for center to limb equivalent width variations at phase angles α = 0° and 90°, followed by equivalent width variations as a function of phase angle for specific points across the planetary equator. We examine a range of cloud and gas configurations, of line and continuum opacities, and we compare phase variations of bright versus dark limbs.The results in general show trends quite dissimilar to (usually opposite) those predicted by a simple reflecting layer model. Percent equivalent width variations for the tower model are usually somewhat greater for weak than for relatively strong absorption lines, with differences of a factor of about two or three. Also, IRFL equivalent width variations do not differ drastically as a function of geometry when the total volume of absorbing gas is held constant. The IRFL results are in many instances consistent with observed equivalent width variations of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. Thus, consideration of horizontal inhomogeneities evidently worsens current uniqueness problems. Future more detailed observations will ameliorate this impass if, it is argued, interpretive studies encompass the complexities of realistic horizontal cloud structure.     

Temperature Dependence of Molecular Line Strengths and Fe i 1565 nm Zeeman Splitting in a Sunspot

Spectroscopic observations at 1565 nm were made in the eastern half of the main umbra of NOAA 9885 on 1 April 2002 using the National Solar Observatory McMath-Pierce Telescope at Kitt Peak with a tip-tilt image stabilization system and the California State University Northridge–National Solar Observatory infrared camera. The line depth of the OH blend at 1565.1 nm varies with the observed continuum temperature; the variation fits previous observations except that the continuum temperature is lower by 600 K. The equivalent width of the OH absorption line at 1565.2 nm shows a temperature dependence similar to previously published umbral molecular observations at 640 nm. A simple model of expected OH abundance based upon an ionization analogy to molecular dissociation is produced and agrees well with the temperature variation of the line equivalent width. A CN absorption line at 1564.6 nm shows a very different temperature dependence, likely due to complicated formation and destruction processes. Nonetheless a numerical fit of the temperature variation of the CN equivalent width is presented. Finally a comparison of the Zeeman splitting of the Fei 1564.8 nm line with the sunspot temperature derived from the continuum intensity shows an umbra somewhat cooler for a given magnetic field strength than previous comparisons using this infrared 1564.8 nm line, but consistent with these previous infrared measurements the umbra is hotter for a given magnetic field strength than magnetic and temperature measurements at 630.2 nm would suggest. Differences between the 630.2 nm and 1564.8 nm umbral temperature and magnetic field relations are explained with the different heights of formation of the lines and continua at these wavelengths.     

Near-IR methane absorption in outer planet atmospheres: Improved models of temperature dependence and implications for Uranus cloud structure

Near-IR absorption of methane in the 2000-9500 cm⁻¹ spectral region plays a major role in outer planet atmospheres. However, the theoretical basis for modeling the observations of reflectivity and emission in these regions has had serious uncertainties at temperatures needed for interpreting observations of the colder outer planets. A lack of line parameter information, including ground-state energies and the absence of weak lines, limit the applicability of line-by-line calculations at low temperatures and for long path lengths, requiring the use of band models. However, prior band models have parameterized the temperature dependence in a way that cannot be accurately extrapolated to low temperatures. Here we use simulations to show how a new parameterization of temperature dependence can greatly improve band model accuracy and allow extension of band models to the much lower temperatures that are needed to interpret observations of Uranus, Neptune, Titan, and Saturn. Use of this new parameterization by Irwin et al. [Irwin, P.G.J., Sromovsky, L.A., Strong, E.K., Sihra, K., Bowles, N., Calcutt, S.B., 2005b. Icarus. In press] has verified improved fits to laboratory observations of Strong et al. [Strong, K., Taylor, F.W., Calcutt, S.B., Remedios, J.J., Ballard, J., 1993. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 50, 363-429] and Sihra [1998. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. of Oxford], which cover the temperature range from 100 to 340 K. Here we compare model predictions to 77 K laboratory observations and to Uranus spectra, which show much improved agreement between observed and modeled spectral features, allowing tighter constraints on pressure levels of Uranus cloud particles, implying that most scattering contributions arise from pressures near 2 bars and 6 bars rather than expected pressures near 1.25 and 3.1 bars. Between visible and near-IR wavelengths, both cloud layers exhibit strong decreases in reflectivity that are indicative of low opacity and submicron particle sizes.     

On the nature of the blue and ultraviolet absorption in the Jovian atmosphere

Spatially resolved reflectivities from 3000 to 6600 Å of three positions from the center to the limb of the Jovian Equator, North Equatorial Belt, and North Tropical Zone are analyzed to determine the vertical distribution and wavelength dependence of various sources of blue and uv absorption. Six different models of the distribution of absorbing dust particles are examined. In each model, the variation of dust optical depth and cloud single-scattering albedo are determined. Only those models having dust above the upper NH₃ cloud layer will fit the data. The high altitude dust distribution is approximately uniform over the three regions examined. The contrast in reflectivity of the belts and zones may be modeled by a different cloud single-scattering albedo in the different regions.     

The 10-μm profile of molecular-cloud and diffuse ISM silicate dust

High signal-to-noise ratio spectra are presented of the 10-μm silicate absorption feature in lines of sight towards Elias 16 and 18 in the Taurus dark cloud, and towards the heavily reddened supergiant Cyg OB2 no. 12. The observations are fitted with laboratory and astronomical spectra to produce intrinsic absorption profiles. These features, which represent molecular-cloud and diffuse ISM dust respectively, are better fitted with emissivity spectra of the Trapezium and μ Cephei than they are with those of laboratory, terrestrial, or other observations of circumstellar silicates. The difference in width between the silicate band in the two environments can be almost entirely ascribed to a broad excess absorption in the long-wavelength wing of the profiles, which is much stronger in the molecular-cloud lines of sight, and possibly reflects grain growth in the denser environment. Limits are placed on the strength of fine spectral structure; if there is a crystalline silicate component in these spectra, it is most likely to be serpentine. Column-density upper limits for methanol and the photolysis product hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) are less than a few per cent of those of water ice and silicates.     

用日全食光谱探测太阳中低层大气对局部热动平衡的偏离

在太阳大气不同层次连续光谱中叠加有丰富的发射线或吸收线,对这些谱线轮廓进行反演分析可以探测太阳大气的化学成分和物理状态.太阳大气的色球及过渡区由于其密度低难以建立热动平衡,建立相应的大气模型需要采用非局部热动平衡(Non-Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium,N-LTE)理论.根据相对偏离因子计算来研究太阳中低层大气偏离局部热动平衡(Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium,LTE)分布的情况.首先对日全食观测过程中得到色球和过渡区不同高度形成的两条光谱数据进行反演,得到确定观测谱线的参数信息,如连续谱源函数、谱线源函数、多普勒宽度和由此推出的等效动力学温度;根据这些反演出的谱线参量计算出二维视场内每个空间采样点偏离LTE状态的定量结果;其次,根据用于观测的积分视场单元光纤排布阵列重构出辐射强度、等效动力学温度和相对偏离因子二维分布.结果显示:在局部小区域,温度分布和相对偏离因子的分布存在较强相关性,而与辐射强度分布无明显相关.从两条谱线导出的等效温度和相对偏离因子分布存在明显的差异.这两种二维分布揭示出太阳大气某些小尺度区域具有较强的结构性和复杂性,为进一步理解太阳中低层大气物理提供了一种新的视角.     

Spectral and morphological studies of an “infrared” nebula in the region of Cyg OB7

Spectral and morphological studies of an infrared nebula in the neighborhood of Cyg OB7 discovered in 2007 are reported. It is shown that over the last several years the brightness and shape of the nebula have changed significantly. Spectral observations of the nebula made with the 2.6-m telescope at the Byurakan Observatory in 2004 and 2005 reveal the existence of a faint trace of continuum spectrum, indicating the existence of a star inside the dark cloud. Classification of these spectra shows that over one year the star’s spectral class changed from late G to early K. It is also shown that the absorption in the direction of the nebula is as high as 8^m–10^m. __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 17–27 (February 2007).     

Spatially resolved methane band photometry of Jupiter: I. Absolute reflectivity and center-to-limb variations in the 6190-, 7250-, and 8900-Å bands

Spatially resolved measurements of Jupiter's absolute reflectivity in methane bands at 6190, 7250, and 8900 Å and nearby continuum regions are presented. The data were obtained with a 400 × 400 pixel charge-coupled device (CCD) at the 1.54-m Catalina telescope near Tucson, Arizona. Jupiter was imaged on the CCD through narrow-band interference filters. Photometric standard stars were also measured. Calibration data were obtained to remove instrumental effects. Uncertainty in the absolute reflectivity is ±8%. Uncertainty in the relative (across the disk) reflectivity is 1 or 2%. Uncertainty in the geomtry is ±1 pixel (0.22 arcsec) for centering and ±1% in scale. Intensity and scattering geometry are tabulated for points across 10 axisymmetric cloud bands and the Great Red Spot. Because of their high spatial, photometric, and time resolution, these data provide strong constraints on models of the Jovian cloud structure.     

Longitudinal variability of methane and ammonia bands on Saturn

A total of 129 spectra of the center of the disk of Saturn were obtained in March 1980 in order to search for possible longitudinal variations in the CH₄ 6190 and NH₃ 6450 bands. The spectra were reduced to reflectivities, and the band equivalent widths were measured using a blind, automated continuum fitting technique. The methane and ammonia equivalent widths are well correlated with each other. There are some latitude regions in which both bands show enhanced absorption and some latitudes in which both bands are weaker than the average. The continuum reflectivity is quite constant with latitude and shows no apparent correlation with molecular band equivalent width. These data were analyzed by adopting the model of J. C. Buriez and C. de Bergh (1981, Astron. Astrophys.94, 382–390) and using a doubling-adding radiative transfer code. The observed variations may be explained by a longitudinal variation in the altitude of the top of the thick cloud of about ±2 km from the mean.     

A softer look at MCG–6-30-15 with XMM–Newton

We present the analysis and first results from the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) during the 320-ks XMM–Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG–6-30-15. The spectrum is marked by a sharp drop in flux at 0.7 keV which has been interpreted by Branduardi-Raymont et al. using RGS spectra from an earlier and shorter observation as the blue wing of a strong relativistic O  viii emission line and by Lee et al. using a Chandra spectrum as due to a dusty warm absorber. We find that the drop is well explained by the Fe  i L_2,3 absorption edges and obtain reasonable fits over the 0.32–1.7 keV band using a multizone, dusty warm absorber model constructed using the photoionization code cloudy . Some residuals remain which could be due to emission from a relativistic disc, but at a much weaker level than from any simple model relying on relativistic emission lines alone. A model based on such emission lines can be made to fit if sufficient (warm) absorption is added, although the line strengths exceed those expected. In order to distinguish further whether the spectral shape is dominated by absorption or emission, we examined the difference spectrum between the highest and lowest flux states of the source. The EPIC pn data indicate that this is a power law in the 3–10 keV band which, if extrapolated to lower energies, reveals the absorption function acting on the intrinsic spectrum, provided that any emission lines do not scale exactly with the continuum. We find that this function matches our dusty warm absorber model well if the power law steepens below 2 keV. The soft X-ray spectrum is therefore dominated by absorption structures, with the equivalent width of any individual emission lines in the residuals being below approximately 30 eV.     

Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact with Jupiter: Spectral peculiarities of the impact sites H,K, L,N, and D + G + S + R group

Long-slit CCD spectra of the impact parallel of Jupiter were obtained on July 20–21, 1994. Observations were made at Nasmith focus of the 2.6 m Shajn telescope of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. Observed spectra covered 4600–10,250 Å at a resolution of 4.5 Å.Combined investigations of the Nasmith spectra, both the spatial profiles for different spectral regions and extracted spectra for different sites of the crash latitude, show that the impact spots have some spectral peculiarities. Detectable absorption in the observed wavelength region is the general peculiarity of the observed impact sites, except for CH₄ bands at 8900 Å and 1 m, where methane absorption was weakened. Also, our analysis evidenced that there are two types of the spectral peculiarities. One of them, related to the great spots D + G + R + S, K, and L, shows that the absorption in the impact sites is increasing gradually to the blue with respect to the unaffected sites. The other, related to the medium-sized spots, H and N, shows no obvious changes in the gradient of the spots' spectra over a wide wavelength region, except that for the green region, where absorption is slightly weakened.     

The Stellar Content of Active Galaxies

We present the results of a long-slit spectroscopic study of 38 active and four normal galaxies. Stellar absorption features, continuum colours and their radial variations are analysed in an effort to characterize the stellar population in these galaxies and detect the presence of a featureless continuum underlying the starlight spectral component. Spatial variations of the equivalent widths of conspicuous absorption lines and continuum colours are detected in most galaxies. Star-forming rings, in particular, leave clear fingerprints in the equivalent widths and colour profiles. We find that the stellar populations in the inner regions of active galaxies present a variety of characteristics, and cannot be represented by a single starlight template. Dilution of the stellar lines by an underlying featureless continuum is detected in most broad-lined objects, but little or no dilution is found for most of the 20 type 2 Seyferts in the sample. Colour gradients are also ubiquitous. In particular, all but one of the observed Seyfert 2s are redder at the nucleus than in its immediate vicinity. Possible consequences of these findings are briefly outlined.     

The reflectivity spectrum and opposition effect of Titan's surface observed by Huygens' DISR spectrometers

We determined Titan's reflectivity spectrum near the Huygens' landing site from observations taken with the Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer below 500 m altitude, in particular the downward-looking photometer and spectrometers. We distinguish signal coming from illumination by sunlight and the lamp onboard Huygens based on their different spectral signatures. For the sunlight data before landing, we find that spatial variations of Titan's reflectivity were only ～0.8%, aside from the phase angle dependence, indicating that the probed area within ～100 m of the landing site was very homogeneous. Only the very last spectrum taken before landing gave a 3% brighter reflectivity, which probably was caused by one bright cobble inside its footprint. The contrast of the cobble was higher at 900 nm wavelength than at 600 nm.For the data from lamp illumination, we confirm that the phase function of Titan's surface displays a strong opposition effect as found by Schröder and Keller (2009. Planetary and Space Science 57, 1963–1974). We extend the phase function to even smaller phase angles (0.02°), which are among the smallest phase angles observed in the solar system. We also confirm the reflectivity spectrum of the dark terrain near the Huygens' landing site between 900 and 1600 nm wavelength by Schröder and Keller (2008. Planetary and Space Science 56, 753–769), but extend the spectrum down to 435 nm wavelength. The reflectivity at zero phase angle peaks at 0.45±0.06 around 750 nm wavelength and drops down to roughly 0.2 at both spectral ends. Our reflectivity of 0.45 is much higher than all previously reported values because our observations probe lower phase angles than others. The spectrum is very smooth except for a known absorption feature longward of 1350 nm. We did not detect any significant variation of the spectral shape along the slit for exposures after landing, probing a 25×4 cm² area. However, the recorded spectral shape was slightly different for exposures before and after landing. This difference is similar to the spectral differences seen on scales of kilometers (Keller et al., 2008. Planetary and Space Science 56, 728–752), indicating that most observations may probe spatially variable contributions from two basic materials, such as a dark soil partially covered by bright cobbles.We used the methane absorption features to constrain the methane mixing ratio near the surface to 5.0±0.3%, in agreement with the 4.92±0.24% value measured in situ by Niemann et al. (2005. Nature 438, 779–784), but smaller than their revised value of 5.65±0.18% (Niemann et al., 2010. Journal of Geophysical Research 115, E12006). Our results were made possible by an in depth review of the calibration of the spectroscopic and photometric data.     

Formation depths of lithium resonance absorption lines in the atmospheres of late-type stars and brown dwarfs

A numerical technique for determining absorption line formation depths in the atmospheres of late-type stars and substellar-mass subdwarfs is proposed. The technique is based on estimating individual absorptions contributed by certain layers of the stellar model atmosphere to the resulting equivalent width of a spectral line. In particular, the proposed technique can be used when considering lithium absorption lines formed at the background of molecular bands. The technique is applied to the formation of lithium lines in stellar atmospheres, specifically, in the atmosphere of the Sun (spectral type G2V) and those of the red giant star in the binary system RS Oph (M2III), the giant carbon star WZ Cas (C6), and the brown dwarf LP944-20 (M9V).     

Spatially resolved reflectivities of Jupiter during the 1976 opposition

Spatially resolved absolute reflectivities of several regions of the Jovian disk in the wavelength region 3000 to 10760 Å are presented. Spectra were obtained of the central meridian and limbs of the Equatorial Region, North Equatorial Belt, and North Tropical Zone. Equivalent widths of several CH₄ and NH₃ bands are measured. The spatial variations of continuum reflectivity and absorption band profiles are shown in various ratio spectra.