The role of phosphorus in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter

The reaction of elemental phosphorus and H atoms to form PH₃ was observed and should be a major factor in the recycling of PH₃ in the stratosphere of Jupiter. The formation of PH₃ in this manner should predominate at high altitudes where, due to the very low temperatures, reactions that require higher activation energies than these atom reactions cannot occur. At lower altitudes, in the troposphere, the rapid formation of H atoms from the strong absorption of light by NH₃ will contribute to phosphine production also in this same manner. Recent experiments have also shown that elemental phosphorus reacts readily with aqueous ammonia to form PH₃. This reaction may also be important in the recycling of PH₃ in the upper troposphere of Jupiter if water-ammonia clouds, as had been previously thought, exist. Considerations of the coloration of the Great Red Spot have been made based upon the nature of the phosphorus obtained by decomposition of phosphine.