NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0246
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0246 |
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PI: Lawrence Sromovsky, University of Wisconsin at Madison (SSEC), larry.sromovsky@ssec.wisc.edu
Address: Space Science & Engineering Center, 1225 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53706, USA
CoI: Patrick Fry, University of Wisconsin at Madison (SSEC)
Title: Probing Uranus' Atmosphere With Discrete Cloud Observations
Abstract:
We propose NIRI observations of Uranus with filters that can vertically
locate discrete cloud features and cloud band spatial variations with high
S/N imaging that can identify many more cloud features than previously
observed. This will allow us to build a two-dimensional map of discrete cloud
pressures as well as track cloud motions in regions previously undersampled
or not visible. This will constrain models of cloud composition and of the
mixing ratios of parent gases. It will also constrain models of meridional
circulation cells by locating regions of upwelling motions. Of particular
interest is the northern high latitude regions coming into better view. In
the south methane is depleted in the upper troposphere, which should inhibit
convection if the depletion is due to downwelling motions. The failure to
detect discrete cloud features supports that model. Observations in the north
polar regions will define whether there is currently a large seasonal
asymmetry.
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 > 2012B-0246 |
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