A continued program of planetary study - No methane on Charon

by: Smith, H.; Cochran, W.; Trafton, L.; Barker, E.; Cochran, A.

ABSTRACT

This program conducts solar system research in support of NASA missions
and of general astronomical interest. Investigations of the composition,
physical characteristics, and changes in solar system bodies are conducted
primarily utilizing facilities of McDonald Observatory, but also utilizing
various space vehicles where appropriate. The first detection of 2 micro-
meter II2 emission from Jupiter's southern auroral zone was made. Previous
detection of northern auroral emission from Jupiter's H2 S(1) quadrupole
line at 2.12 micrometer was confirmed. Unlike the previously known 8 micro-
meter aurorae, this phenomenon can not be thermal in origin. Analysis of
Raman scattering in the blue and ultraviolet spectrum of Uranus (200 to
500 Angstroms) show that there must be absorbing aerosol particles in the
upper 10 mbar region of the atmosphere. Spectra of Pluto-Charon in and out
of eclipse in the red and near IR were obtained. These data confirm that
CH4 is confined to Pluto and absent on Charon.

NASA, Washington, Reports of Planetary Astronomy, p 115-116, N89-16624
08-89, 2004.