A study of the Northern polar region of the sun using the microwave observations of the total eclipse of March 29, 2006

We report the results of unique observations of the solar eclipse of March 29, 2006 over a wide radio-wavelength range from 1 to 50 cm made with the large RATAN-600 stationary radio telescope during the maximum eclipse phase performed using the method of the source transit across the fixed beam pattern. The multifunctional opportunities of the radio telescope allowed observations to be performed simultaneously in a part of the Northern sector of RATAN-600 and in the Southern-sector plus periscope mode using all the available receiving equipment at the corresponding secondary mirrors. At the time of maximum eclipse phase a narrow 1—3-arcsec wide crescent-shaped band near the North Solar Pole remained visible out of the entire solar disk covered by the Moon. We achieved high flux sensitivity, which allowed us to discover a large polar radio source located above the North Solar Pole and obtain detailed data on its radiation and spatial structure. Moreover, we detected optically thin radiation of the solar corona at the brightness-temperature level of several K or several tens of K. We find this radiation to extend beyond the solar limb out to the heliocentric distances of one solar radius. These data are unique in that they are not contaminated by scattered radiation of the solar radio disk, which usually shows up in ordinary observations. We are the first to obtain a detailed spectrum of the radiation of a high-latitude prominence at many wavelengths with a 1% frequency resolution in the microwave range, which allowed us to estimate its magnetic field at a number of levels in the lower corona.     

The field of view and flux sensitivity of RATAN-600

The refined data on the diffraction scattering of RATAN-600 allowed the telescope field of view to be increased substantially at large elevations. Amethod, which can be used to reconstruct the parameters of the sources passing at angular distances fromthe beamaxis that are several dozen times greater than the half-power width of the beam, is analyzed. The knowledge about wide scattering of RATAN-600 allowed the noise from background radio sources at zenith to be reduced by one order of magnitude and flux sensitivity of the radio telescope to be increased by the same factor without resorting to two-dimensional mapping. Methods for cleaning one-dimensional records of the RZF survey are suggested that use model scans based on the data of the NVSS survey and MHAT filtering. The latter proved to be an especially efficient tool for suppressing sky noise and identifying sources in the central section of the survey. The flux sensitivity of RATAN-600 is estimated with new opportunities taken into account.     

VLA observations of the Galilean satellites

Jupiter's Galilean satellites I–IV, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto have been observed with the VLA at 2 and 6 cm. The Jovian system was about 4.46 AU from the Earth at the time the observations were taken. The flux densities for satellites I–IV at 2 cm are 15 ± 2, 5.6 ± 1.2, 22.3 ± 2.0, and 26.0 ± 2.5 mJy, respectively, which corresponds to disk brightness temperatures of 92 ± 13, 47 ± 10, 67 ± 6, and 92 ± 9°K, respectively. At 6 cm flux densities of 1.10 ± 0.2, 0.55 ± 0.12, 2.0 ± 0.2, and 3.15 ± 0.2 mJy were found, corresponding to temperatures of 65 ± 11, 44 ± 10, 55 ± 6, and 105 ± 7°K, respectively. The radio brightness temperatures are lower than the infrared, the latter generally being consistent with the temperature derived from equilibrium with absorbed insolation. The radio temperature are qualitatively consistent with the equilibrium temperature for fast rotating bodies considering the high radio reflectivity (low emissivity) as determined from radar measurements by S. J. Ostro (1982). In Satellites of Jupiter (D. Morrison, Ed.). Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson).     

Gas Dissipation from the Protosatellite Disk of Jupiter

We consider the dissipation of the gaseous component from the gas–dust accretion disk of Jupiter in which the Galilean satellites were formed. The thermal dissipation of hydrogen and helium is shown to be ineffective. It could ensure the loss of gas only for a low-mass disk and only if the rarefied outer layers of the disk are heated to 10⁴ K. Such a high disk temperature is not reached through Jupiter's radiation in existing models of its formation, but it could be provided by UV radiation of the early Sun after the dissipation of the protoplanetary disk. The viscous dissipation (with a viscosity parameter 10^–3 in the -disk model) related to disk accretion onto Jupiter could disperse a low-mass disk in 10⁷ years. A magnetocentrifugal mechanism, which produced a disk wind during accretion capable of carrying away 0.1 of the accreted gas mass, was probably also involved in the dispersal of the Jovian disk. Differential dispersion, with the loss of only hydrogen and helium and the retention of water vapor and heavier gases in the disk, is possible only in a low-mass disk model. We conclude that the water contained in the Galilean satellites was brought in mainly by solid planetesimals captured into the disk during mutual inelastic collisions in Jupiter's sphere of influence.     

Comparison and Interpretation of Spectral Characteristics of the Leading and Trailing Hemispheres of Europa and Callisto

Europa and Callisto are two “extreme members” in a sequence of the Galilean ice satellites formed at different distances from Jupiter. The difference in their mean density probably reflects the material density gradient that appeared even in the subplanetary disk of Jupiter. At the same time, general peculiarities in the composition of the surfaces of Europa and Callisto apparently characterize the accumulated effect of all subsequent evolutionary processes, including current volcanic activity on the satellite Io and its ionized material transfer in Jovian magnetosphere, as well as chemical reactions taking place under low-temperature (within ~90–130 K) and irradiation conditions. In 2016–2017, we observed the leading and trailing hemispheres of Europa and Callisto in the spectral range of 1.0–2.5 μm at 2-m telescope of Caucasian Mountain Observatory (CMO) of Sternberg Astronomical Institute (SAI) of Moscow State University (MSU). We found that, on a global scale, Europa and Callisto exhibit similar spectral characteristics and, particularly, the maxima in the distributions of sulfuric acid hydrate in the trailing hemispheres of the both moons, which agrees with the data of previous measurements. This can be considered as evidence for general ion implantation on these and other moons in the radiation belts of Jupiter. Moreover, our spectral data suggest that water ice and hydrates (clathrates) of other compounds are dominant or abundant in the leading hemispheres of Europa and Callisto. Specifically, we detected a weak absorption band of CH₄ clathrate centered at ~1.67 μm in the reflectance spectra of the leading (the band is more intense) and trailing (the band is less intense) hemispheres of Europa. Weak signs of the same absorption band are also in the reflectance spectra of Callisto measured at its different orientations.     

伽利略卫星的等势面和正常重力场

给出了轨道面接近赤道面的轨旋同步卫星的正常重力场在等势面上分布的展开式，并讨论了潮汐对其正常重力场的影响，利用这一方法，讨论了伽利略卫星正常重力场及其在等势面上的分布，以及木星的潮汐对伽利略卫星的正常重力场的影响，计算表明，潮汐对伽利略卫星的正常重力场影响不大，其径向的影响grt大约是10^-3-10^-5m/s^2的量级，与重力场在经度和纬度方向的分量接近，通过估算，月球的重力场所受到的潮汐影响要比绝大多数伽利略卫星受到的潮汐影响小。     

Planetary observations at a wavelength of 1.32 mm

Observations at a wavelength of 1.32 mm have been made of the Jovian planets, Ceres, the satellites Callisto and Ganymede, and the HII region DR 21. The observed brightness temperatures are presented. Those of the Jovian planets agree with the values expected from model atmosphere calculations, except that of Jupiter, which is lower than expected. Ceres and the satellites do not have atmospheres so their emission arised in their subsurface layers. The observed brightness temperatures are intermediate between those measured at infrared and centimeter wavelengths.     

Noise storms and the structure of microwave emission of solar active regions

Solar radio and microwave sources were observed with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the RATAN-600, providing high spatial resolution at 91 cm (VLA) and detailed spectral and polarization data at microwave wavelengths (1.7 to 20 cm - RATAN). The radio observations have been compared with images from the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) aboard theYohkoh satellite and with full-disk phoptospheric magnetic field data from the Kislovodsk Station of the Pulkovo Observatory. The VLA observations at 91 cm show fluctuating nonthermal noise storm sources in the middle corona. The active regions that were responsible for the noise storms generally had weaker microwave emission, fainter thermal soft X-ray emission, as well as less intense coronal magnetic fields than those associated with other active regions on the solar disk. The noise storms did, however, originate in active regions whose magnetic fields and radiation properties were evolving on timescales of days or less. We interpret these noise storms in terms of accelerated particles trapped in radiation belts above or near active regions, forming a decimetric coronal halo. The particles trapped in the radiation belts may be the source of other forms of nonthermal radio emission, while also providing a reservoir from which energetic particles may drain down into lower-lying magnetic structures.Presented at the CESRA-Workshop on Coronal Magnetic Energy Release at Caputh near Potsdam in May 1994.     

Galilean satellite eclipse studies I. Observations and satellite characteristics

Spectrophotometric light curves of 12 Galilean satellite eclipses are reported. The observations were made in 20 to 30 channels over the wavelength range 3240 to 10,500 Å using the 200-in. telescope. The initial data processing is described. These data measure the Jovian aerosol content in the lower stratosphere and uppermost troposhere and the methane abundance in the lower stratosphere. The data are consistent with a lack of limb darkening on the Galilean satellites. The orbit of Callisto is shown to be inclined 0.08 ± 0.02° to the equatorial plane of Jupiter.     

Wave propagation in the magnetosphere of Jupiter

The magnetosphere of Jupiter has been the subject of extensive research in recent years due to its detectable radio emissions. Observations in the decimetric radio band have been particular helpful in ascertaining the general shape of the Jovian magnetic field, which is currently believed to be a dipole with minor perturbations. Although there is no direct evidence for thermal plasma in the magnetosphere of Jupiter, theoretical considerations about the physical processes that must occur in the ionosphere and magnetosphere surrounding Jupiter have lead to estimates of the thermal plasma distribution. These models of the Jovian magnetic field and thermal plasma distribution, specify the characteristic plasma and cyclotron frequencies in the magnetosplasma and thereby provide a basis for estimating thelocal electromagnetic and hydromagnetic noise around Jupiter. Spatial analogs of the well-known Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis (CMA) diagrams have been constructed to identify the loci of electron and ion resonances and cutoffs for the different field and plasma models. Regions of reflection, mode coupling, and probable amplification are readily identified. The corresponding radio noise properties may be estimated qualitatively on the basis of these various electromagnetic and hydromagnetic wave mode regions. Frequency bands and regions of intense natural noise may be estimated. On the basis of the models considered, the radio noise properties around Jupiter are quite different from those encountered in the magnetosphere around the Earth. Wave particle interactions are largely confined to the immediate vicinity of the zenographic equatorial plane and guided propagation from one hemisphere to the other apparently does not occur, except for hydromagnetic modes of propagation. The characteristics of these local signals are indicative of the physical processes occurring in the Jovian magnetosphere. Thus, as a remote sensing tool, their observation will be a vital asset in the exploration of Jupiter.     

Allowance for the phase of Jupiter when determining the contact times in some phenomena of its Galilean satellites

We suggest a new method for predicting the phenomena observed in Jovian system of Galilean satellites that takes into account the planet’s phase effect. The method allows one to determine the geocentric times of the contacts of the satellite and its shadow with the illuminated part of the planet’s visible disk that occur near its inferior geocentric and inferior heliocentric conjunctions, respectively. The calculation is performed in the orthographic approximation for the geometric center of the satellite and its shadow by taking into account the curvature of the satellite’s orbit and the visible flattening of Jovian disk. The correction for the phase to the satellite’s contact time is determined from the phase shift of the center of the planet’s disk.     

Equipotential surface and normal gravity of the Galilean satellites

In this article, expanded equations of normal gravity on the equipotential surface are proposed for a natural satellite whose orbital plane is close to its equatorial plane. Tidal effects on the normal gravity are also discussed. The authors apply these to the Galilean satellites. Calculations suggest that the tides raised by Jupiter weakly affect the Galilean satellites. The radial displacements of the gravity due to the tides are in the range between 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁵ m s⁻², which are similar to the latitudinal and longitudinal displacements. The variations along the latitude circle are larger than those along the longitude circle. We conclude that the tidal effects on most of the Galilean satellites are larger than those on the Moon.     

Brightness temperature distribution in solar corona based on RATAN-600 observations of the maximum phase of the March 29, 2006 solar eclipse

We describe the technique and results of modelling the solar radio emission during the maximum phase of the solar eclipse of March 29, 2006 on the RATAN-600. The aim of modelling is to refine the brightness temperature of the solar corona at the distances up to two solar radii from the center of the optical disk of the Sun. We obtained the distribution of brightness temperature in the vicinity of the coronal hole above the solar North Pole at the wavelength of 13 cm. The results of modelling showed that brightness temperatures of the coronal hole at the distances greater than 1.02 R_C (here R_C is the radius of the optical disk of the Sun) is substantially lower than the expected average brightness temperature of a typical coronal hole, and that of the quiescent Sun (below 30000 K) at the wavelength of 13 cm. The classical Baumbach-Allen formula for electron density in a spherically symmetric corona agrees with the results of observations starting at distances of (1.4–1.5) R_C.     

Mid-eclipse brightening of the Galilean satellites

Brinkmann (1973) has suggested that the Galilean satellites might briefly manifest a brightening at mid-eclipse due to a concentration of light refracted into the geometric umbra of Jupiter by the atmosphere around the terminator. Results obtained using two different models of the Jovian atmosphere indicate that such a brightening is unlikely even for Callisto due to the probable aerosol concentration in the Jovian atmosphere at the relevant altitudes.     

Main methods of trajectory synthesis for scenarios of space missions with gravity assist maneuvers in the system of Jupiter and with landing on one of its satellites

The development of a methodology for designing trajectories of spacecraft intended for the contact and remote studies of Jupiter and its natural satellites is considered. This methodology should take into account a number of specific features. Firstly, in order to maintain the propellant consumption at an acceptable level, the flight profile, ensuring the injection of the spacecraft into orbit around the Jovian moon, should include a large number of gravity assist maneuvers both in the interplanetary phase of the Earth-to-Jupiter flight and during the flight in the system of the giant planet. Secondly, the presence of Jupiter’s powerful radiation belts also imposes fairly strict limitations on the trajectory parameters.

     

Tidally Induced Volcanism

The dissipation of tidal energy causes the ongoing silicate volcanism on Jupiter's satellite, Io, and cryovolcanism almost certainly has resurfaced parts of Saturn's satellite, Enceladus, at various epochs distributed over the latter's history. The maintenance of tidal dissipation in Io and the occurrence of the same on Enceladus depends crucially on the maintenance of the respective orbital eccentricities by the existence of mean motion resonances with nearby satellites. A formation of the resonances among the Galilean satellites by differential expansion of the satellite orbits from tides raised on Jupiter by the satellites means the onset of the volcanism on Io could be relatively recent. If, on the other hand, the resonances formed by differential migration from resonant interactions of the satellites with the disk of gas and particles from which they formed, Io would have been at least intermittently volcanically active throughout its history. Either means of assembling the Galilean satellite resonances lead to the same constraint on the dissipation function of Jupiter Q _J 10⁶, where the currently high heat flux from Io seems to favor episodic heating as Io's eccentricity periodically increases and decreases. Either of the two models might account for sufficient tidal dissipation in the icy satellite Enceladus to cause at least occasional cryovolcanism over much of its history. However, both models are assumption-dependent and not secure, so uncertainty remains on how tidal dissipation resurfaced Enceladus.     

The Galilean satellites as a source of CO in the Jovian upper atmosphere

Material from the Galilean satellites of Jupiter ejected by energetic particles in the Jovian magnetosphere may provide large sources of oxygen to the parent planet. Formation of a CO molecule is the ultimate fate of an oxygen atom in the upper Jovian atmosphere. This high altitude source of CO supports Beer and Taylor's (1978, Astrophys. J.221) observations and analysis, provided that the globally averaged O atom input flux is ～10⁷ cm^?2 sec^?1 and the eddy diffusion coefficient at the tropopause is ～10³ cm² sec^?1. Implications for the possible presence of other atoms and molecules derived from the satellites are discussed.     

Charged dust in the outer planetary magnetospheres

Interplanetary dust grains entering the Jovian plasmasphere become charged, and those in a certain size range get magneto-gravitationally trapped in the corotating plasmasphere. The trajectories of such dust grains intersect the orbits of one or more of the Galilean satellites. Orbital calculations of micron sized dust grains show that they impact the outermost satellite Callisto predominantly on its leading face, while they impact the inner three — Io, Europa and Ganymede — predominantly on the trailing face. These results are offered as an explanation of the observed brightness asymmetry between the leading and trailing faces of the outer three Galilean satellites. The albedo of Io is likely to be determined by its volcanism.     

Radii and Albedos of four Trojan asteroids and Jovian satellites 6 and 7

Thermal radiation has been detected from four asteroids of the Trojan group, and J6 and J7, the brightest of the outer satellites of Jupiter. The six objects all have exceedingly low geometric albedos of 0.02 or 0.03 according to calculations based on their known visual brightness and the measured thermal fluxes. 624 Hektor, the largest object studied here, has a radius of 110 ± 20 km, though the exact shape of this body is in question. While the sample observed in this work is small (the total number of Trojans larger than 0.25 km in radius is about 1000), the fact that all four studied have similarly low albedos suggests that this property is characterisic of the Trojans and at least two of the outer members of Jupiter's retinue of satellites. The low surface albedo of the Trojans may preclude the proposed origin of the Jovian group of comets among these bodies according to E. Rabe. Updated tables of the dimensions of all the Jovian satellites are given.     

Developments in Jovian Radio Emissions Tomography and Observations Techniques

Jupiter radio emission is known to be the most powerful nonthermal planetary radiation. In recent years specifically space-based observations allow us to permanently cover a large frequency band(from 100 kHz up to 40 MHz combined with ground-based telescopes)of the Jovian spectrum. The Plasma and Wave Science experiment onboard Galileo enables the observation of Jovian kilometric and hectometric emissions; Wind/WAVES and ground-based telescopes (mainly Decametric Array in Nancay, France, and UTR-2 in Kharkov, Ukraine) cover also hectometric and mainly decametric emissions. Specific geometrical configurations between Cassini approaching Jupiter and Wind spacecraft orbiting Earth, with Galileo orbiting Jupiter and Wind, in combination with ground-based observations provide a new approach to perform Jovian radio tomography. The tomography technique is used to analyze ray paths of Jovian radio emission observed in different directions (e.g. solar and anti-solar direction) and for different declination of Earth. The developments of Jovian radio emission tomography in recent years treated refraction effects and its connection to the local magnetic field in the radio source as well as the radio wave propagation through the Io torus and the terrestrial ionosphere. Most recently ground-based multi-site and simultaneous Jupiter decametric radio observations by means of digital spectropolarimeter and waveform receiver provide the basis of a new data analysis treatment. The above addressed topics are without exemption deeply connected to the plasma structures the radio waves are generated in and propagating through. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.