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Observations of the UV spectrum of Saturn from 3200Å to 1400Å with the IUE
Author(s) -
Moore Vivien,
Hunt Garry E.,
Caldwell J.,
Owen T.,
Encrenaz Th.,
Combes M.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl010i012p01196
Subject(s) - spectral line , saturn , wavelength , absorption spectroscopy , acetylene , absorption (acoustics) , physics , astrophysics , astronomy , materials science , chemistry , optics , planet , organic chemistry
Spectra of Saturn have been acquired with the IUE satellite for the 1400Å to 3200Å wavelength range with, at <10Å, a higher resolution than was previously available. These spectra show the UV reflectivity of Saturn to be highly structured with both resolved and large‐scale absorption features. Model atmospheres constructed for comparison with these spectra included a wavelength dependent UV absorber and the gases PH 3 , CH 4 , C 2 H 6 , C 2 H 2 and C 2 H 4 . Acetylene is identified by a series of resolved absorptions from 1700Å to 1850Å, whereas absorptions from 1700Å to 1610Å may be attributable to ethylene. The IUE spectra provide constraints on the vertical distribution of the atmospheric constituents above the 200 mbar level.