Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1991

Abstract

We have constructed a model of the Jovian ionosphere that includes direct photoionization of hydrocarbon molecules. A high resolution solar spectrum was synthesized from Hinteregger's solar maximum spectrum (F79050N) and high resolution cross sections for photoabsorption by H2 bands in the range 842 to 1116 Å were constructed. Two strong solar lines and about 30% of the continuum flux between 912 and 1116 Å penetrate below the methane homopause despite strong absorption by CH4 and H2. We find that hydrocarbons (mainly C2H2) are ionized at a maximum rate of 55 cm−3 sec−1 at 320 km above the ammonia cloud tops. The hydrocarbon ions produced are quickly converted to more complex hydrocarbon ions through reactions with CH4, C2H2, C2H6, and C2C4. We find that a hydrocarbon ion layer is formed near 320 km that is about 50 km wide with a peak density in excess of 1 × 104 cm−3.

Comments

Copyright © 1991 by the American Geophysical Union.

The following article appeared in Geophysical Research Letters 18(2), and may be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/90GL02587/full

Permission to Deposit an Article in an Institutional Repository:

Adopted by Council 13 December 2009.

AGU allows authors to deposit their journal articles if the version is the final published citable version of record, the AGU copyright statement is clearly visible on the posting, and the posting is made 6 months after official publication by the AGU.

DOI

10.1029/90GL02587

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