High-resolution 3 micron spectroscopy of molecules in the mesosphere and troposphere of titan

T. R. Geballe; S. J. Kim; K. S. Noll; C. A. Griffith

doi:10.1086/368011

High-resolution 3 micron spectroscopy of molecules in the mesosphere and troposphere of titan

T. R. Geballe, S. J. Kim, K. S. Noll, C. A. Griffith

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31 Scopus citations

Abstract

A high-resolution 2.9-3.5 μm spectrum of Titan has revealed a surprisingly strong emission band of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and strong absorption bands of acetylene (C₂H₂) and monodeuterated methane (CH₃D), in addition to methane (CH₄) emission and absorption known from previous observations. Whereas the C₂H ₂ and CH₃D absorptions are largely in the troposphere, the HCN emission must occur at higher altitudes. However, the intensity of the HCN band is inconsistent with our current understanding of the upper atmosphere of Titan.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	L39-L42
Journal	Astrophysical Journal
Volume	583
Issue number	1 II
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1086/368011
State	Published - Jan 20 2003

Keywords

Astrochemistry
Infrared: solar system
Line: identification
Molecular processes
Planets and satellites: individual (Titan)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Astronomy and Astrophysics
Space and Planetary Science

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10.1086/368011

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title = "High-resolution 3 micron spectroscopy of molecules in the mesosphere and troposphere of titan",

abstract = "A high-resolution 2.9-3.5 μm spectrum of Titan has revealed a surprisingly strong emission band of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and strong absorption bands of acetylene (C2H2) and monodeuterated methane (CH3D), in addition to methane (CH4) emission and absorption known from previous observations. Whereas the C2H 2 and CH3D absorptions are largely in the troposphere, the HCN emission must occur at higher altitudes. However, the intensity of the HCN band is inconsistent with our current understanding of the upper atmosphere of Titan.",

keywords = "Astrochemistry, Infrared: solar system, Line: identification, Molecular processes, Planets and satellites: individual (Titan)",

author = "Geballe, {T. R.} and Kim, {S. J.} and Noll, {K. S.} and Griffith, {C. A.}",

note = "Funding Information: This research is based on observations made at the W. M. Keck Observatory by Gemini staff, supported by the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., on behalf of the international Gemini partnership. The W. M. Keck Observatory is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was",

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doi = "10.1086/368011",

language = "English (US)",

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journal = "Astrophysical Journal",

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T1 - High-resolution 3 micron spectroscopy of molecules in the mesosphere and troposphere of titan

AU - Geballe, T. R.

AU - Kim, S. J.

AU - Noll, K. S.

AU - Griffith, C. A.

N1 - Funding Information: This research is based on observations made at the W. M. Keck Observatory by Gemini staff, supported by the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., on behalf of the international Gemini partnership. The W. M. Keck Observatory is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was

PY - 2003/1/20

Y1 - 2003/1/20

N2 - A high-resolution 2.9-3.5 μm spectrum of Titan has revealed a surprisingly strong emission band of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and strong absorption bands of acetylene (C2H2) and monodeuterated methane (CH3D), in addition to methane (CH4) emission and absorption known from previous observations. Whereas the C2H 2 and CH3D absorptions are largely in the troposphere, the HCN emission must occur at higher altitudes. However, the intensity of the HCN band is inconsistent with our current understanding of the upper atmosphere of Titan.

AB - A high-resolution 2.9-3.5 μm spectrum of Titan has revealed a surprisingly strong emission band of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and strong absorption bands of acetylene (C2H2) and monodeuterated methane (CH3D), in addition to methane (CH4) emission and absorption known from previous observations. Whereas the C2H 2 and CH3D absorptions are largely in the troposphere, the HCN emission must occur at higher altitudes. However, the intensity of the HCN band is inconsistent with our current understanding of the upper atmosphere of Titan.

KW - Astrochemistry

KW - Infrared: solar system

KW - Line: identification

KW - Molecular processes

KW - Planets and satellites: individual (Titan)

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U2 - 10.1086/368011

DO - 10.1086/368011

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:0242575151

VL - 583

SP - L39-L42

JO - Astrophysical Journal

JF - Astrophysical Journal

SN - 0004-637X

IS - 1 II

ER -

High-resolution 3 micron spectroscopy of molecules in the mesosphere and troposphere of titan

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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