Publication Abstracts

Coffeen 1974

Coffeen, D.L., 1974: Optical polarization measurements of the Jupiter atmosphere at 103° phase angle. J. Geophys. Res., 79, no. 25, 3645-3652, doi:10.1029/JA079i025p03645.

The first measurements have been made of the linear polarization of sunlight scattered by the Jupiter atmosphere at phase angles greater than 12° using the imaging photopolarimeter on Pioneer 10. The data are of high accuracy in spite of several problems in the instrument. The polarization is positive at 440 nm. There is no direct evidence for spherical particles in the Jupiter clouds. Using a simple model of Rayleigh scattering above a Lambertian cloud layer, we can find a unique fit to the observed intensity and polarization at each point on the planet. The resulting Rayleigh optical depths, if they are attributed to molecular scattering alone (i.e., no aerosols above the cloud tops), can be converted into physical altitudes of the cloud tops. The first results suggest that the north tropical zone, parts of the equatorial zone, and the red spot are all elevated regions. The lowest areas observed are the north and south temperate regions. The total range in elevation is approximately 15 km.

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BibTeX Citation

@article{co06700y,
  author={Coffeen, D. L.},
  title={Optical polarization measurements of the Jupiter atmosphere at 103° phase angle},
  year={1974},
  journal={J. Geophys. Res.},
  volume={79},
  number={25},
  pages={3645--3652},
  doi={10.1029/JA079i025p03645},
}

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RIS Citation

TY  - JOUR
ID  - co06700y
AU  - Coffeen, D. L.
PY  - 1974
TI  - Optical polarization measurements of the Jupiter atmosphere at 103° phase angle
JA  - J. Geophys. Res.
VL  - 79
IS  - 25
SP  - 3645
EP  - 3652
DO  - 10.1029/JA079i025p03645
ER  -

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