Submillimeter and millimeter observations of Uranus and Neptune

We have made narrowband photometric measurements of Uranus and Neptune covering the wavelength range from 0.35 to 3.3 mm. The observations provide accurate comparative radiometry of these planets. Absolute calibration was referenced to Mars, and to Jupiter as a secondary standard. The results establish Uranus and Neptune as reliable secondary calibrators in their own right. We have combined our observations with other measurements made in the period 1978 through 1984 in the spectral range of 17 μm through 3 mm to form models for atmospheric temperature structure in the vertical range from 100 mbar to 8 bar. The simplest models imply that the tropospheres of both planets are consistent with “frozen” equilibrium H₂ and a mixing ratio of CH₄ of about 2% by volume in the deep atmosphere. There is some evidence in the Uranus data which implies the presence of discrete spectral lines. These could be due to CH₄ pure rotational or dimer transitions or to minor constituents such as CO, which remain uncondensed even at the cold temperatures in the atmosphere of Uranus.     

Observations of Ganymede,Callisto, Ceres,Uranus, and Neptune at 3.33 mm wavelength

We have measured the 3.33 mm wavelength disk brightness temperatures of Ganymede (136 ± 21°K), Callisto (95 ± 17°K), Ceres (137 ± 25°K), Uranus (125 ± 9°K), and Neptune (126 ± 9°K). Our observations of Ganymede are consistent with the radiation from a blackbody in solar equilibrium, whereas Callisto's microwave spectrum indicates a surface similar to that of the Moon. The disk temperature for Ceres agrees with that expected from a rapidly rotating blackbody. The millimeter temperatures of Uranus and Neptune greatly exceed solar equilibrium values, implying atmospheres with large temperature gradients.     

The dynamics of inclined Neptune Trojans

We investigated the stable area for fictive Trojan asteroids around Neptune’s Lagrangean equilibrium points with respect to their semimajor axis and inclination. To get a first impression of the stability region we derived a symplectic mapping for the circular and the elliptic planar restricted three body problem. The dynamical model for the numerical integrations was the outer Solar system with the Sun and the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. To understand the dynamics of the region around L ₄ and L ₅ for the Neptune Trojans we also used eight different dynamical models (from the elliptic problem to the full outer Solar system model with all giant planets) and compared the results with respect to the largeness and shape of the stable region. Their dependence on the initial inclinations (0° < i < 70°) of the Trojans’ orbits could be established for all the eight models and showed the primary influence of Uranus. In addition we could show that an asymmetry of the regions around L ₄ and L ₅ is just an artifact of the different initial conditions.     

Theoretical predictions of deuterium abundances in the Jovian planets

Using current concepts for the origin of the Jovian planets and current constraints on their interior structure, we argue that the presence of large amounts of “ice” (H₂O, CH₄, and NH₃) in Uranus and Neptune indicates temperatures low enough to condense these species at the time Uranus and Neptune formed. Yet such low temperatures imply orders-of-magnetude fractionation effects for deuterium into the “ice” component if isotopic equilibration can occur. Our models thus imply that Uranus and Neptune should have a D/H ratio at least four times primordial, contrary to observation for Uranus. We find that the Jovian and Saturnian D/H should be close to primordial regardless of formation scenario. The Uranus anomaly could indicate that there was a strong initial radial gradient in D/H in the primordial solar nebula, or that Uranus is so inactive that no significant mixing of its interior has occurred over the age of the solar system. Observation of Neptune's atmospheric D/H may help to resolve the problem.     

The 15 August 1980 occultation by the Uranian system: Structure of the rings and temperature of the upper atmosphere

A stellar occultation by Uranus and its rings was observed on August 15, 1980, from the European Southern Observatory (Chile), at the 3.6-m telescope equipped with an infrared (2.2 μm) photometer. The recording presents the best signal-to-noise ratio obtained since the discovery of the Uranian rings in March 1977. The nine rings were observed, and the profiles of rings α, β, and ? were resolved, the ring α exhibiting a double structure. Strong diffraction peaks are visible in the γ ring profile suggesting an opaque ring with very sharp edges. A broad and faint structure extends outward from the η ring, on a radial scale of about 55 km. Apart from the ring occultations, unexplained sharp and deep events were recorded, and no interpretation is possible until future observations are made. Furthermore, the stellar light curve during the immersion of the star behind the planet provides (via an inversion computation) the temperature profile of the upper atmosphere of Uranus. The temperature is close to 145 ± 10°K at the 3 × 10^?2-mbar pressure level and is nearly constant (155 ± 15°K) in the pressure interval from 10^?2 to 10^?3 mbar. The thermal inversion is as strong as the inversion on Neptune but is located at higher altitudes. This high stratospheric temperature is consistent with the upper limit of the brightness temperature at 8 μm only if CH₄ follows its saturation law.     

Measurements of the H2 4-0 quadrupole bands of Uranus and Neptune

We find that the equivalent widths of the lines of the 4-0 H₂ quadrupole band on Uranus and Neptune are substantially smaller than the values found by some previous observers. An analysis of our results based on a range of atmospheric models yields H₂ abundances of 240 ± 60 km-amagats for Uranus and ?200 km amagats for Neptune.     

Infrared radiometry of Uranus and Neptune at 21 and 32 μm

Radiometric measurement of Uranus and Neptune near 21 and 32 μm have been made with filters with widths of 8 and 5 μm, respectively. The observations at 21 μm, made on 1985 June 19 at the NASA Infrared telescope facility at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, were calibrated against α Boo and corresponded to brightness temperatures of 54.1 ± 0.3 K for Uranus and 58.1 ± 0.3 K for Neptune. The observations at 32 μm were made on three nights: 1983 May 1 and 1984 May 30 and 31, also at the NASA IRTF. Calibrated against the Jovian satellites Callisto (J4) and Ganymede (J3), these measurements corresponded to brightness temperatures of 51.8 ± 1.5 K for Uranus and 55.6 ± 1.2 K for Neptune. The observations are consistent with higher-resolution studies and confirm the general decrease of brightness temperatures going from about 20 to 30 μm.     

Enrichment in volatiles in the giant planets of the Solar System

We propose an interpretation of the enrichments in volatiles observed in the four giant planets with respect to the solar abundance. It is based on the assumption that volatiles were trapped in the form of solid clathrate hydrates and incorporated in planetesimals embedded in the feeding zones of each of the four giant planets. The mass of trapped volatiles is then held constant with time. The mass of hydrogen and of not trapped gaseous species continuously decreased with time until the formation of the planet was completed, resulting in an increase in the ratio of the mass of trapped volatiles to the mass of hydrogen (Gautier et al., Astrophys. J. 550 (2001) L227). The efficiency of the clathration depends upon the amount of ice available in the early feeding zone. The quasi-uniform enrichment in Ar, Kr, Xe, C, N, and S observed in Jupiter is reproduced because all volatiles were trapped. The non-uniform enrichment observed in C, N and S in Saturn is due to the fact that CH₄, NH₃, and H₂S were trapped but not CO and N₂. The non-uniform enrichment in C, N and S in Uranus and Neptune results from the trapping of CH₄, CO, NH₃ and H₂S, while N₂ was not trapped. Our scenario permits us to interpret the strongly oversolar sulfur abundance inferred by various modelers to be present in Saturn, Uranus and Neptune for reproducing the microwave spectra of the three planets. Abundances of Ar, Kr and Xe in these three are also predicted. Only Xe is expected to be substantially oversolar. The large enrichment in oxygen in Neptune with respect to the solar abundance, calculated by Lodders and Fegley (Icarus 112 (1994) 368) from the detection of CO in the upper troposphere of the planet, is consistent with the trapping of volatiles by clathration. The upper limit of CO in Uranus does not exclude that this process also occurred in Uranus.     

Five-micrometer measurements of Uranus and Neptune

We have obtained 5-μm brightness temperatures and brightness temperature upper limits for Uranus and Neptune which are substantially lower than those of Jupiter and Saturn and which correspond to a geometric albedo of approximately 0.01, in agreement with results reported by F. C. Gillet and G. H. Rieke (1977, Astrophys. J.218, L141–L144). Phospine and CH₃D, which are observed at 5 μm on Jupiter and Saturn, are discussed as possible sources of opacity at 5 μm in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune.     

The spectra of Uranus and Neptune at 8–14 and 17–23 μm

An array spectrometer was used on the nights of 1985 May 30–June 1 to observe the disks of Uranus and Neptune in the spectral regions 7–14 and 17–23 μm with effective resolution elements ranging from 0.23 to 0.87 μm. In the long-wavelength region, the spectra are relatively smooth with the broad S(1) H₂ collision-induced rotation line showing strong emission for Neptune. In the short-wavelength spectrum of Uranus, an emission feature attributable to C₂H₂ with a maximum stratospheric mixing ratio of 9 × 10⁻⁹ is apparent. An upper limit of 2 × 10⁻⁸ is placed on the maximum stratospheric mixing ratio of C₂H₆. The spectrum of Uranus is otherwise smooth and quantitatively consistent with the opacity provided by H₂ collision-induced absorption and spectrally continuous stratospheric emission, as would be produced by aerosols. Upper limits to detecting the planet near 8 μm indicate a CH₄ stratospheric mixing ratio of 1 × 10⁻⁵ or less, below a value consistent with saturation equilibrium at the temperature minimum. In the short-wavelength spectrum of Neptune, strong emission features of CH₄ and C₂H₆ are evident and are consistent with local saturation equilibrium with maximum stratospheric mixing ratios of 0.02 and 6 × 10⁻⁶, respectively. Emission at 8–10 μm is most consistent with a [CH₃D]/[CH₄] volume abundance ratio of 5 × 10⁻⁵. The spectrum of Neptune near 13.5 μm is consistent with emission by stratospheric C₂H₂ in local saturation equilibrium and a maximum mixing ratio of 9 × 10⁻⁷. Radiance detected near 10.5 μm could be attributed to stratospheric C₂H₄ emission for a maximum mixing ratio of approximately 3 × 10⁻⁹. Quantitative results are considered preliminary, as some absolute radiance differences are noted with respect to earlier observations with discrete filters.     

The rotational periods of Uranus and Neptune

Observations of tilts of spectral lines in the spectrum of Uranus and Neptune yield the following rotational periods: “Uranus,” 24 ± 3 hr; “Neptune,” 22 ± 4 hr. Neptune is confirmed to rotate in a direct sense. The position angle of the pole of Uranus, projected onto the plane of the sky, is found to be 283 ± 4°. The value for Neptune is 32 ± 11°. These results agree with the direction of the pole of Uranus inferred from the common plane of its four brightest satellites and with the direction of the pole of Neptune as inferred from the precession of Triton's orbit. The rotational period of Uranus is found to be consistent with modern values of its optical and dynamical oblateness and the theory of solid-body rotation with hydrostatic equilibrium. This is barely the case for the period derived for Neptune and we suspect that future observations made under better seeing conditions may lead to a shorter rotation period between 15 and 18 hr. Because of a substantial difference between our results and those of earlier spectroscopic and photometric investigations we include an assessment of several previously published photometric studies and a new reduction of the original Lowell and Slipher spectroscopic plates of Uranus [Lowell Obs. Bull. 2, 17–18, 19–20 (1912)]. The early visual photometry of Campbell (Uranus) and Hall (Neptune) is found to be more satisfactorily accounted for by periods of 21.6 and 23.1 hr, respectively, than by the periods originally suggested by the observers. Our reduction of the Lowell and Slipher Uranus plates yields a period near 33 hr uncorrected for seeing. This value is consistent with the results based on the 4-m echelle date.     

Interpretation of the 6818.9-Å methane line in terms of inhomogeneous scattering models for Uranus and Neptune

We have obtained high-resolution spectra of Uranus and Neptune in the methane transition near 6800 Å, and in particular, the 6818.9Å feature. Calculated equivalent widths for this line using recently proposed models of the atmospheres of these two planets indicate that the C/H ratio is greater than or equal to 5 × 10^?3 below the CH₄ saturation level. This value is 12 times the solar mixing ratio. The half-widths of the computed line profiles are in agreement with the observed half-widths. Therefore, it is unnecessary to introduce an unidentified constituent with an abundance comparable to H₂, postulated recently by Belton and Hayes, and by Bergstrahl, to account for the observed line broadening.     

Neptune's rotation period: A correction and a speculation on the difference between photometric and spectroscopic results

An error in the Hayes and Belton (1977), Icarus32, 383–401) estimate of the rotation period of Neptune is corrected. If Neptune exhibits the same degree of limb darkening as Uranus near 4900 Å, the rotation period is 15.4 ± 3 hr. This value is compatible with a recent spectroscopic determination of Munch and Hippelein (1979) who find a period of 11.2_?1.2^+1.8 hr. However, if, as indirect evidence suggests, the law of darkening on Neptune at these wavelengths is less pronounced than on Uranus, then the above estimates may need to be lengthened by several hours. Recent photometric data are independently analyzed and are found to admit several possible periods, none of which can be confidently assumed to be correct. The period of Neptune most probably falls somewhere in the range 15–20 hr. The Hayes-Belton estimate of the period of Uranus is essentially unaffected by the above-mentioned error and remains at 24 ± 4 hr. All observers agree that the rotation period of Uranus is longer than that of Neptune.     

The Raman signature of H2 in the uv spectra of Uranus and Neptune: Constraints on the haze optical properties and on the para-H2 fraction

The geometric albedos of Uranus and Neptune, inferred from archived Hubble Space Telescope observations and from the ground-based measurements of Karkoschka, 1994, are modeled in the wavelength range 2200–4200 Å. The radiative transfer model, which includes Rayleigh–Raman scattering and Mie scattering by haze particles, aims at reproducing the fine structure of the geometric albedos at a resolution of 2–10 Å. The steep variation of the total optical depth allows to investigate the influences of both the stratospheric and tropospheric haze layers and that of the deep tropospheric cloud, although their relative importance is difficult to estimate accurately. Using the haze models of Baines et al., 1995, the optical properties of the Mie scatterers are inferred. The haze material on Uranus is characterized by a slowly decreasing imaginary index of refraction: n_i varies from about 0.10 to 0.01–0.02 between 2200 and 4200 Å. Below 3000 Å, the absorptivity of Neptuness haze material is comparable to that on Uranus or slightly lower (n_i ∼ 0.03–0.10). Above 3000 Å, it exhibits a steeper decrease (from 0.30 to 0.003). The main source of uncertainty at longer wavelengths is the reflectivity of the underlying (H₂S ?) cloud. At shorter wavelengths, molecular scattering strongly dominates Mie scattering and the determination of the absorptivities is estimated to be accurate within a factor of 2. For Neptune, there is an additional uncertainty due to the inability of the initial haze model to provide a fit to the observed albedo. The Baines et al. model was modified by multiplying the number-densities of the hydrocarbons haze layers by a factor of 2.5–4.8, making it more consistent with the results of Pryor et al., 1992. For Uranus, these results suggest a darkening of the southern hemisphere since the Voyager epoch, in agreement with recent HST imaging. As a whole, the Neptunian haze seems to be more transparent than that of Uranus, possibly owing to the more turbulent dynamical state of the troposphere. Longwards of 3000 Å, the inferred absorptivities are consistent with laboratory measurements on tholins produced from CH₄–H₂ gas mixtures (Khare et al., 1987). The para-H₂ mole fraction on both planets is constrained from the strength of a prominent H₂ Raman feature at 2853 Å. On Uranus, at latitudes between 45 and 75°S and in the 50–500 mbar pressure range, the best agreement is obtained with an equilibrium para-H₂ distribution. On Neptune, there is an indication of a slight departure from equilibrium in the same pressure range at mid-southern latitudes. Although this new method is significantly less accurate, its results are consistent with those of previous investigations based on the analysis of H₂ quadrupole lines (Baines et al., 1995) and of the Voyager IRIS spectra (Conrath et al., 1998).     

Far-infrared and submillimeter observations of the planets

New broadband observations in several passbands between 30 and 500 μm of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are presented. The best agreement between the data and various thermal models of Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus is obtained with a slightly cooler absolute temperature scale than that previously adopted by Armstrong et al. (1972). The effective temperature of Uranus is 58 ± 2°K, which is in agreement with its solar equilibrium temperature. The existence of an internal energy source of Saturn has been reconfirmed and must lie within the range of 0.9 to 3.2 times the absorbed solar flux. A depression exists in the spectra of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus between 80 and 300 μm, which may be a result of NH₃ opacity.     

The geometric albedos of Uranus and Neptune between 2100 and 3350 Å

Absolutely calibrated spectra of Uranus, Neptune, and the solar analog stars 16 Cyg A and B between 2100 and 3350 Å are reported. The geometric albedos of both planets are close to the curve expected for a semi-infinite Rayleigh-Raman scattering atmosphere between 2100 and 2800 Å. Longward of 2800 Å the albedos fall below the Rayleigh-Raman values and connect smoothly to the ground-based photometry of J.S. Neff, D.C. Humm, J.T. Bergstralh, A.L. Cochran, W.D. Cochran, E.S. Barker, and R.G. Tull (1984, Icarus60, 221–235).Neptune is about 5.5% brighter than Uranus and shows slightly stronger Raman scattering signatures in the MgII lines at 2800 Å in accordance with the results of Neff et al. for the CaII H and K lines. This means that the stratospheric haze on Neptune is thinner than on Uranus. The fact that the Neptunian geometric albedo between 2100 and 2800 Å is so close to the ideal semi-infinite Rayleigh-Raman scattering atmosphere could be exploited for future absolute calibrations of other Solar System objects in this wavelength region.     

Far-infrared and submillimeter brightness temperatures of the giant planets

We have measured the brightness temperatures of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in the range 35 to 1000 μm. The effective temperatures derived from the measurements, supplemented by shorter wavelength Voyager data for Jupiter and Saturn, are 126.8 ± 4.5, 93.4 ± 3.3, 58.3 ± 2.0, and 60.3 ± 2.0°K, respectively. We discuss the implications of the measurements for bolometric output and for atmospheric structure and composition. The temperature spectrum of Jupiter shows a strong peak at ～350 μm followed by a deep valley at ～450 to 500 μm. Spectra derived from model atmospheres qualitatively reproduce these features but do not fit the data closely.     

An estimate of the temperature and abundance of CH4 and other molecules in the atmosphere of Uranus

We present a preliminary analysis of CH₄ absorptions near 6800 Å in new high resolution spectra of Uranus. A curve of growth analysis of the data yields a rotational temperature near 100 K and a CH₄/H₂ ratio that is 1 to 3 times that expected for a solar type composition. The long pathlengths of CH₄, apparently demanded by absorptions near 4700 Å, are qualitatively shown to be the result of line formation in a deep, predominantly Rayleigh scattering atmosphere in which continuum absorption is a strong function of wavelength. The analysis of the CH₄ also yields a minimum value for the effective pressure of line formation (～ 2 atm). This value is shown to be twice that expected on Uranus if the atmosphere were predominantly H₂. It is speculated that large amounts of some otherwise optically inert gas is present in the Uranus atmosphere. N₂ is suggested as a possible candidate since there are cosmogonic reasons why Uranus should contain large amounts of N relative to C, He, and H, and also because the pressure-induced pure rotation spectrum of N₂ could possibly account for the low brightness temperatures that have recently been observed at 33 and 350 μm. If N₂ is present the planet probably possesses a surface at the 10–100 atmosphere level.     

Ionospheric models of Saturn,Uranus, and Neptune

Model ionospheres are calculated for Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Protons are the major ions above 150 km altitude measured from a reference level where the hydrogen density is 1 × 10¹⁶ molecules cm^?3, while below 150 km quick conversion of protons to H₃⁺ ions by a three-body association mechanism leads to a rapid removal of ionization in dissociative recombination of H₃⁺. Electron density maxima are found at about 260 km for Saturn and Uranus and 200 km for Neptune. Present knowledge of the physical and chemical processes in the atmospheres of these planets suggests that their ionospheres probably will not be Jupiter-like.     

Uranus and Neptune: Shape and rotation

Both Uranus and Neptune are thought to have strong zonal winds with velocities of several 100 m s⁻¹. These wind velocities, however, assume solid-body rotation periods based on Voyager 2 measurements of periodic variations in the planets’ radio signals and of fits to the planets’ magnetic fields; 17.24 h and 16.11 h for Uranus and Neptune, respectively. The realization that the radio period of Saturn does not represent the planet’s deep interior rotation and the complexity of the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune raise the possibility that the Voyager 2 radio and magnetic periods might not represent the deep interior rotation periods of the ice giants. Moreover, if there is deep differential rotation within Uranus and Neptune no single solid-body rotation period could characterize the bulk rotation of the planets. We use wind and shape data to investigate the rotation of Uranus and Neptune. The shapes (flattening) of the ice giants are not measured, but only inferred from atmospheric wind speeds and radio occultation measurements at a single latitude. The inferred oblateness values of Uranus and Neptune do not correspond to bodies rotating with the Voyager rotation periods. Minimization of wind velocities or dynamic heights of the 1 bar isosurfaces, constrained by the single occultation radii and gravitational coefficients of the planets, leads to solid-body rotation periods of ∼16.58 h for Uranus and ∼17.46 h for Neptune. Uranus might be rotating faster and Neptune slower than Voyager rotation speeds. We derive shapes for the planets based on these rotation rates. Wind velocities with respect to these rotation periods are essentially identical on Uranus and Neptune and wind speeds are slower than previously thought. Alternatively, if we interpret wind measurements in terms of differential rotation on cylinders there are essentially no residual atmospheric winds.