Solar system

Abstract:

We combine novel laboratory experiments and exospheric modeling to reveal that "dynamic" Ly-α photolysis of Plutonian methane generates a photolytic refractory distribution on Charon that increases with latitude, consistent with poleward darkening observed in the New Horizons images. The flux ratio of the condensing methane to the interplanetary medium Ly-α photons, φ, controls the distribution and composition of Charon's photoproducts. Mid-latitude regions are likely to host complex refractories emerging from low-φ photolysis, while high-φ photolysis at the polar zones primarily generate ethane. However, ethane being colorless does not contribute to the reddish polar hue. Solar wind radiolysis of Ly-α-cooked polar frost past spring sunrise may synthesize increasingly complex, redder refractories responsible for the unique albedo on this enigmatic moon.

Abstract:

Dark spots on Neptune observed by Voyager and the Hubble Space Telescope are thought to be anticyclones with lifetimes of a few years, in contrast with very long-lived anticyclones in Jupiter and Saturn. The full life cycle of any Neptune dark spot has not been captured due to limited temporal coverage, but our Hubble observations of a recent feature, NDS-2018, provide the most complete long-term observational history of any dark vortex on Neptune. Past observations suggest some dark spots meet their demise by fading and dissipating without migrating meridionally. On the other hand, simulations predict a second pathway with equatorward migration and disruption. Our HST observations suggest NDS-2018 is following the second pathway. Some of the HST observations reveal transient dark features with widths of about 4000 to 9000 km, at latitudes between NDS-2018 and the equator. The secondary dark features appeared before changes in the meridional migration of NDS-2018 were seen. These features have somewhat smaller size and much smaller contrast compared to the main dark spot. Discrete secondary dark features of this scale have never been seen near previous dark spots, but global-scale dark bands are associated with several previous dark spots in addition to NDS-2018. The absolute photometric contrast of NDS-2018 (as large as 19%) is greater than previous dark spots, including the Great Dark Spot seen by Voyager. New simulations suggest that vortex internal circulation is weak relative to the background vorticity, presenting a clearly different case from stronger anticyclones observed on Jupiter and Saturn.

Abstract:

Lava planets have non-global, condensible atmospheres similar to icy bodies within the Solar system. Because they depend on interior dynamics, studying the atmospheres of lava planets can lead to understanding unique geological processes driven by their extreme environment. Models of lava planet atmospheres have thus far focused on either radiative transfer or hydrodynamics. In this study, we couple the two processes by introducing ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation to a turbulent boundary layer model. We also test the effect of different vertical temperature profiles on atmospheric dynamics. Results from the model show that UV radiation affects the atmosphere much more than IR. UV heating and cooling work together to produce a horizontally isothermal atmosphere away from the substellar point regardless of the vertical temperature profile. We also find that stronger temperature inversions induce stronger winds and hence cool the atmosphere. Our simulated transmission spectra of the bound atmosphere show a strong SiO feature in the UV that would be challenging to observe in the planet’s transit spectrum due to the precision required. Our simulated emission spectra are more promising, with significant SiO spectral features at 4.5 and 9 μm that can be observed with the James Webb Space Telescope. Different vertical temperature profiles produce discernible dayside emission spectra, but not in the way one would expect.

Abstract:

A near-surface thermal model for Arrokoth is developed based on the recently released 105 facet model of the body. This thermal solution takes into account Arrokoth's surface reradiation back onto itself. The solution method exploits Arrokoth's periodic orbital character to develop a thermal response using a time-asymptotic solution method, which involves a Fourier transform solution of the heat equation, an approach recently used by others. We display detailed thermal solutions assuming that Arrokoth's near-surface material's thermal inertia I = 2.5 W/m−2 K−1 s1/2. We predict that at New Horizons' encounter with Arrokoth, its encounter hemisphere surface temperatures were ∼57-59 K in its polar regions, 30-40 K in its equatorial zones, and 11-13 K for its winter hemisphere. Arrokoth's orbitally averaged temperatures are around 30-35 K in its polar regions and closer to 40 K near its equatorial zones. Thermal reradiation from the surrounding surface amounts to less than 5% of the total energy budget, while the total energy ensconced into and exhumed out of Arrokoth's interior via thermal conduction over one orbit is about 0.5% of the total energy budget. As a generalized application of this thermal modeling together with other Kuiper Belt object origins considerations, we favor the interpretation that New Horizons' REX instrument's 29 ± 5 K brightness temperature measurement is consistent with Arrokoth's near-surface material being made of sub-to-few-millimeter-size tholin-coated amorphous H2O ice grains with 1 W/m−2 K−1 s1/2 < I < 10-20 W/m−2 K−1 s1/2 and which are characterized by an X-band emissivity in the range 0.9 and 1.