NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0106
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0106 |
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PI: Glenn Orton, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, go@scn.jpl.nasa.gov
Address: MS 169-237, 4800 Oak Grove, Drive Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
CoI: Leigh Fletcher, Univeristy of Oxford
CoI: Therese Encrenaz, Observatoire de Paris, Meudon
CoI: Heidi Hammel, Space Science Institute
CoI: Thomas Geballe, Gemini Observatory - North
CoI: Imke de Pater, University of California, Berkeley
Title: Meridional Variability of Radiative vs Dynamical Forcing in Neptune
Abstract:
We propose using Michelle to acquire a spatially resolved spectrum of
Neptune's central meridian in the Q band (17-25 microns). This portion of
Neptune's spectrum is sensitive to temperatures in the 100-400 mbar
temperature profile, which we will map as a function of latitude by aligning
the slit along Neptune's central meridian. These temperautres wil determine
the depth to which extreme radaitive seasonal warming of Neptune's 100-mbar
tropopause at the south pole extends down into the convective region. It will
also measure Neptune's para-H2 fraction vs latitude, providing a tracer of
vertical motions. Finally, the radiometry of this spectrum will supplement
disk-averaged observations made by Spitzer in the "long-high" mode, which we
determined were unusable because of systematic effects. Gemini North/Michelle
is preferred because of its prevailing low atmospheric water vapor, but
equivalent time will be considered on Gemini South/TReCS with the same low
water-vapor requirement.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0106 |
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