Abstract
High-altitude spectra of Jupiter obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are analyzed for the presence of germane (GeH4) in Jupiter's atmosphere. Comparison with laboratory spectra shows that the strong Q branch of the ν3 band of germane at 2111 cm-1 is prominent in the Jovian spectra. The abundance of germane in Jupiter's atmosphere is 0.006 (±0.003) cm-am corresponding to a mixing ratio of 0.6 ppb. This trace amount of germane is consistent with chemical equilibrium calculations if the germane present at ∼1000°K is carried up by convection to the spectroscopically observable region at ∼300°K.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 344-354 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Icarus |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1978 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science