Constraints on the composition of Jupiter's stratospheric aerosols from ultraviolet photometry

Abstract

The absolute reflectivity of Jupiter has been obtained in 50 A-wide regions centering on 0.221, 0.233, 0.252, and 0.330 microns from three series of IUE satellite spectra taken in November 1979. The data indicate a strong decrease in reflectivity for latitudes greater than about 30 deg, in keeping with Voyager measurements. An additional 24 spectra were also obtained in a west-east series along the equator, as well as near 40 deg N latitude. These data favor models in which the haze particles have effective radii within a factor of 2 of 0.2 microns. Near the equator, the haze aerosols produce much less absorption than near 40 deg N; the aerosol distributions and optical properties derived are noted to be more dependent on the assumed location and reflectivity of the top of the tropospheric cloud