Two-and three-layer models of Uranus

G. P. Horedt, W. B. Hubbard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present simple two-layer models of Uranus with rocky core and polytropic envelope satisfying exactly the observed mass, radius and the gravitational moments. The models show that the value of the fourth order zonal harmonic is J4 ≲-38×10-6, while J6 ≈ 10-6. More elaborate threelayer models fail to satisfy the observational constraints of the ice/rock ratio and/or of the rotation period. We conclude that three-layer models with uniform chemical composition in each layer may be too restrictive. More realistic models should account for variable chemical composition within each layer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)229-236
Number of pages8
JournalThe Moon and the Planets
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1983

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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