Surface temperature on jupiter
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Surface Temperature on Jupiter
Introduction to Jupiter's Surface Temperature
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, exhibits a complex thermal structure influenced by various factors. Understanding its surface temperature is crucial for insights into its atmospheric dynamics, internal heat sources, and overall energy balance.
Discrepancy in Observed and Theorized Temperatures
There is a notable discrepancy between Jupiter's observed surface temperature and the theorized temperature based on the assumption that Jupiter acts as a black body. This discrepancy is attributed to additional heat sources such as gravitational collapse, heat emission from radioisotopes, and the differentiation of helium and hydrogen.
Temperature Measurements from Space Missions
Voyager Radio Occultation Measurements
The Voyager missions provided extensive data on Jupiter's temperature structure. The temperature at the 1 bar pressure level, a reference point for atmospheric models, was found to be up to 4 K higher than previously published values. Specifically, temperatures were recorded as 170.3 ± 3.8 K at 12°S and 167.3 ± 3.8 K at 0°N, compared to the Galileo probe's measurement of 166.1 ± 0.8 K at 6.57°N. This suggests spatial temperature variations of up to 7 K between 7°N and 12°S.
Pioneer Infrared Radiometer Data
The Pioneer 10 and 11 missions also contributed significantly to our understanding of Jupiter's thermal structure. Data from the Pioneer 10 infrared radiometer indicated temperatures near 0.1 bar ranging from 108 to 117 K, depending on the assumed thermal structure. At the 1 bar level, temperatures were recorded as 170 K in the South Equatorial Belt (SEB) and 155 K in the South Tropical Zone (STrZ), assuming different atmospheric conditions. The effective temperature of Jupiter, derived from Pioneer data, was found to be 125 ± 3 K, with a planetary thermal emission to solar energy absorption ratio of 1.9 ± 0.2.
Implications of Temperature Variations
The variations in temperature across different latitudes and atmospheric conditions on Jupiter have significant implications for understanding its atmospheric dynamics and internal heat sources. The higher temperatures observed in certain regions suggest the presence of additional heat sources beyond solar radiation, such as internal heat from gravitational collapse and radioactive decay .
Conclusion
Jupiter's surface temperature is a result of complex interactions between solar radiation, internal heat sources, and atmospheric dynamics. Data from the Voyager and Pioneer missions have provided valuable insights, revealing temperature variations and highlighting the need for updated models to accurately represent Jupiter's thermal structure. Understanding these temperatures is essential for comprehending the planet's overall energy balance and atmospheric behavior.
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