NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0053
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0053 |
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PI: Henrik Melin, Space Environment Technologies, hmelin@spacewx.com
Address: 1676 Palisades Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States
CoI: Tom Stallard, University of Leicester
CoI: Steve Miller, University College London
CoI: Laurence Trafton, University of Texas, Austin
CoI: James O'Donoghue, University of Leicester
CoI: James Blake, University of Leicester
Title: Characterizing the energy drivers of the upper atmosphere of Uranus
Abstract:
This program aims to identify the mechanism that drive the elevated
temperatures in the thermosphere at Uranus - an unexplained phenomenon seen
at all the gas giants. The temperature has perviously been observed to cool
between 1992 and 2008, and we expected the planet to heat up again after 2007
equinox. Instead, surprisingly, in 2011 it was observed to continue to cool.
This poses questions to what drives the temperature of the upper atmosphere,
and by observing Uranus in late 2013 we can address these. In addition, the
continuation of the long-term monitoring of Uranus’ upper atmosphere will
shed considerably insight to the thermal drivers of this poorly understood
planet.
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 > 2013B-0053 |
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