The Starbase One Astronomy & Space Collection/STARBASE_ONE.ISO/sl9/wio_impa.txt

Text File | 1994-07-20 | 2KB | 31 lines

July 19, 1994An observing team from the University of Wyoming , the
University of Rochester, and the University of Minnesota is obtaining
infrared images of the recent comet impacts on Jupiter.  The
observations are being made with the Wyoming Infrared Observatory
2.3-meter telescope near Laramie, using an infrared camera developed
at Rochester.  The accompanying image of Jupiter, obtained on the
evening of Sunday July 17, shows three bright spots near the lower
left.  These are the impact sites of (from left to right) fragments C,
A, and E.  The other features visible are the bright polar and
equatorial regions, and also the Great Red Spot, located below the
equator and somewhat to the right.At this relatively short infrared
wavelength (2.2 micrometers) the planet it mostly dark because the
methane in the Jupiter atmosphere absorbs any sunlight which passes
through a significant depth of that atmosphere.  Bright regions
usually correspond to high altitude clouds which reflect the sunlight
before it can penetrate the deeper atmosphere and be absorbed.  The
bright nature of the impact spots therefore indicates the presence of
high altitude haze or clouds -- material carried up from the lower
atmosphere by the fireball and plume from the comet impact.  More
detailed measurements at a variety of wavelengths should reveal the
chemical composition of the haze material.  The observing team will be
continuing their work throughout the comet impact period and expect to
obtain images of the plumes from the other comet fragments which will
be striking Jupiter later this week.Co ntact:

    Robert R. Howell
        Department of Physics and Astronomy
        University of Wyoming
        Laramie, WY  82070
        307-766-6150