Long-wavelength density fluctuations resolved in Pluto's high atmosphere

D. W. McCarthy; W. B. Hubbard; C. A. Kulesa; S. D. Benecchi; M. J. Person; J. L. Elliot; A. A.S. Gulbis

doi:10.1088/0004-6256/136/4/1519

Long-wavelength density fluctuations resolved in Pluto's high atmosphere

D. W. McCarthy, W. B. Hubbard, C. A. Kulesa, S. D. Benecchi, M. J. Person, J. L. Elliot, A. A.S. Gulbis

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Near-infrared measurements of the occultation of star P445.3 by Pluto on 2007 March 18 reveal that Pluto's upper atmosphere (200-400 km altitude) is unexpectedly dynamic. At a wavelength of 1.6 μm, numerous vertical fluctuations (8-20 km) of density are detected with unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. These fluctuations are achromatic, nearly limb-aligned, and fully resolved along a 1000 km path over a pressure range of 0.1-0.7 μbar (0.01 to 0.07 Pa). Vertical wavelength increases with altitude indicating a high-frequency cutoff operating on a broad-band spectrum of buoyancy ("gravity") waves generated deeper in Pluto's atmosphere.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	1519-1522
Number of pages	4
Journal	Astronomical Journal
Volume	136
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/136/4/1519
State	Published - Oct 1 2008

Keywords

Kuiper Belt
Occultations
Planets and satellites: individual (Pluto)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Astronomy and Astrophysics
Space and Planetary Science

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10.1088/0004-6256/136/4/1519

Cite this

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abstract = "Near-infrared measurements of the occultation of star P445.3 by Pluto on 2007 March 18 reveal that Pluto's upper atmosphere (200-400 km altitude) is unexpectedly dynamic. At a wavelength of 1.6 μm, numerous vertical fluctuations (8-20 km) of density are detected with unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. These fluctuations are achromatic, nearly limb-aligned, and fully resolved along a 1000 km path over a pressure range of 0.1-0.7 μbar (0.01 to 0.07 Pa). Vertical wavelength increases with altitude indicating a high-frequency cutoff operating on a broad-band spectrum of buoyancy ({"}gravity{"}) waves generated deeper in Pluto's atmosphere.",

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AU - McCarthy, D. W.

AU - Hubbard, W. B.

AU - Kulesa, C. A.

AU - Benecchi, S. D.

AU - Person, M. J.

AU - Elliot, J. L.

AU - Gulbis, A. A.S.

PY - 2008/10/1

Y1 - 2008/10/1

N2 - Near-infrared measurements of the occultation of star P445.3 by Pluto on 2007 March 18 reveal that Pluto's upper atmosphere (200-400 km altitude) is unexpectedly dynamic. At a wavelength of 1.6 μm, numerous vertical fluctuations (8-20 km) of density are detected with unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. These fluctuations are achromatic, nearly limb-aligned, and fully resolved along a 1000 km path over a pressure range of 0.1-0.7 μbar (0.01 to 0.07 Pa). Vertical wavelength increases with altitude indicating a high-frequency cutoff operating on a broad-band spectrum of buoyancy ("gravity") waves generated deeper in Pluto's atmosphere.

AB - Near-infrared measurements of the occultation of star P445.3 by Pluto on 2007 March 18 reveal that Pluto's upper atmosphere (200-400 km altitude) is unexpectedly dynamic. At a wavelength of 1.6 μm, numerous vertical fluctuations (8-20 km) of density are detected with unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. These fluctuations are achromatic, nearly limb-aligned, and fully resolved along a 1000 km path over a pressure range of 0.1-0.7 μbar (0.01 to 0.07 Pa). Vertical wavelength increases with altitude indicating a high-frequency cutoff operating on a broad-band spectrum of buoyancy ("gravity") waves generated deeper in Pluto's atmosphere.

KW - Kuiper Belt

KW - Occultations

KW - Planets and satellites: individual (Pluto)

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Long-wavelength density fluctuations resolved in Pluto's high atmosphere

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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