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 language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 229-236 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | The Moon and the Planets |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1983 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
- Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)