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| The structure and temporal stability of Jupiter's zonal winds: A study of the north tropical region |
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| Author(s): Simon AA |
| Source: ICARUS Volume: 141 Issue: 1 Pages: 29-39 Published: SEP 1999 |
| Times Cited: 28 References: 39 |
| Abstract: This paper investigates possible long-term zonal wind variations using Voyager (1979), Hubble Space Telescope (HST; 1995, 1997, 1998), and Galileo Orbiter (1997) data that has all been processed and analyzed in the same manner for consistency. Previous attempts to measure the zonal wind profile in Voyager data had yielded inconsistent results for the maximum eastward jet near 23.7 degrees N latitude from different studies (A. P. Ingersoll et at, 1979, Nature 280, 773-775; ibid 1981, J. Geophys. Res. 86, 8733-8743; T Maxworthy 1984, Planet. Space Sci. 32, 1053-1058; S. Limaye 1986, Icarus 65, 335-352). This paper compares previous measurements and includes new independent analysis to conclude that the correct wind jet velocity at the time of Voyager is close to 182 m s(-1), most consistent with the reported results of Maxworthy (1984). In the data sets from different epochs the overall shape of the wind profile and locations of the prograde and retrograde jets remain constant, but there are amplitude changes at a few latitudes. The largest velocity deviations between the Voyager and the 1995-1997 HST profiles occurred in the maximum eastward jet, near 23.7 degrees N, and at 6 degrees S and 20 degrees S planetographic latitude. Possible causes for an apparent zonal wind decrease were explored using Galileo visible and HST near-infrared data, and the wind velocity change was determined to be real. A very definite change in cloud structure and brightness has also occurred at 23.7 degrees N. Additionally, surface brightness changes seen at 6 degrees S and 20 degrees S also correlated with changes in wind speed. HST WFPC2 data obtained in 1998 showed the recovery of the 23.7 degrees N region to a Voyager-like appearance and an increase in wind velocity to the Voyager value. (C) 1999 Academic Press. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Simon, AA (reprint author), Cornell Univ, Dept Astron, 326 Space Sci Bldg, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA |
Addresses:
1. Cornell Univ, Dept Astron, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
2. New Mexico State Univ, Dept Astron, Las Cruces, NM 88003 USA |
| Publisher: ACADEMIC PRESS INC, 525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA |
| Subject Category: Astronomy & Astrophysics |
| IDS Number: 239EM |
| ISSN: 0019-1035 |
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