1975The Astrophysical JournalRequires access

Methane absorption in the visible spectra of the outer planets and Titan

Tobias Owen, R. D. Cess

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Abstract

New spectra of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan show weak methane bands in the region below 6000 A which have been known for many years in the spectra of Uranus and Neptune. Adopting the known abundance of methane on Jupiter, we have used a band model to determine CH4 abundances and broadening pressures for the other objects. The results indicate high values of the CH4 to H2 concentration ratio for Uranus and Neptune; for Titan, a surface pressure in excess of 1 atm is implied.

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What this paper is about

New spectra of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan show weak methane bands in the region below 6000 A which have been known for many years in the spectra of Uranus and Neptune. Adopting the known abundance of methane on Jupiter, we have used a band model to determine CH4 abundances and broadening pressures for the other objects. The results indicate high values of the CH4 to H2 concentration ratio for Uranus and Neptune; for Titan, a surface pressure in excess of 1 atm is implied.

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Available abstract

New spectra of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan show weak methane bands in the region below 6000 A which have been known for many years in the spectra of Uranus and Neptune. Adopting the known abundance of methane on Jupiter, we have used a band model to determine CH4 abundances and broadening pressures for the other objects. The results indicate high values of the CH4 to H2 concentration ratio for Uranus and Neptune; for Titan, a surface pressure in excess of 1 atm is implied.

Key concepts: Uranus, Titan (rocket family), Neptune, Physics, Planet, Astrobiology, Outer planets, Gas giant

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