Planet jupiter temperature
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Understanding Jupiter's Temperature: Insights from Recent Research
Temperature Variations in Jupiter's Atmosphere
Low Latitude Temperature Profiles
Jupiter's temperature varies significantly across different atmospheric layers and regions. Data from the Pioneer 10 infrared radiometer reveals that temperatures in the low latitude regions of Jupiter range from 108 to 117 K near the 0.1 bar pressure level. At the 1.0 bar level, temperatures are around 170 K in the South Equatorial Belt (SEB) and 155 K in the South Tropical Zone (STrZ) . These findings are consistent with other radiative-equilibrium models, although some discrepancies remain with preliminary neutral atmosphere inversion data from Pioneer 10 radio occultation .
Reassessment of Voyager Data
A reassessment of the Voyager radio occultation measurements indicates that Jupiter's tropospheric temperatures at the 1 bar level are slightly higher than previously thought. The corrected temperatures are 170.3 K at 12°S and 167.3 K at 0°N, compared to the Galileo probe's measurement of 166.1 K at 6.57°N . This suggests spatial temperature variations of up to 7 K between 7°N and 12°S .
Far-Infrared and Submillimeter Observations
Measurements of Jupiter's brightness temperatures in the far-infrared and submillimeter range (35 to 1000 µm) show an effective temperature of 126.8 K. The temperature spectrum exhibits a strong peak around 350 µm and a deep valley between 450 to 500 µm, which model atmospheres qualitatively reproduce but do not fit closely .
Heating Mechanisms in Jupiter's Atmosphere
Auroral Heating
Jupiter's upper atmosphere is significantly hotter than expected from solar heating alone. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that temperatures decrease from the auroral polar regions to the equator, indicating that auroral energy is redistributed across the planet . This redistribution is a primary heating mechanism for Jupiter's upper atmosphere, especially during periods of enhanced solar activity .
Great Red Spot Influence
The upper atmosphere above Jupiter's Great Red Spot is hundreds of degrees hotter than other regions, suggesting heating from below. This hotspot is likely caused by upwardly propagating acoustic or gravity waves, providing strong evidence for coupling between Jupiter's lower and upper atmospheres .
Ultra-Hot Jupiters: A Comparative Study
Temperature Inversions and Thermal Dissociation
Ultra-hot Jupiters, with equilibrium temperatures ranging from 2000 to over 4000 K, exhibit unique atmospheric characteristics. These planets show strong temperature inversions due to absorption by atomic metals and molecules, leading to thermal dissociation of species like H2O, TiO, and VO at low pressures 15. The temperature inversions are sensitive to the host star's spectral type, with hotter stars causing steeper inversions and increased thermal dissociation .
Radiative-Convective Boundary and Intrinsic Temperature
The intrinsic temperature (Tint) and radiative-convective boundary (RCB) in hot Jupiters are crucial for understanding their atmospheric structure. Models suggest that Tint can be as high as 700 K, resulting in a shallower RCB at a few bars rather than the kilobar level typically assumed. This has significant implications for atmospheric circulation and cloud formation .
Conclusion
Jupiter's temperature structure is complex, with significant variations across different atmospheric layers and regions. Recent studies highlight the importance of auroral heating and the influence of the Great Red Spot on upper atmospheric temperatures. Comparisons with ultra-hot Jupiters reveal unique atmospheric dynamics driven by extreme irradiation and thermal dissociation. These insights enhance our understanding of gas giant atmospheres and their underlying physical processes.
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