Origin and evolution of outer solar system atmospheres

by: Lunine, J. I.

ABSTRACT

The origin and evolution of the atmospheres of bodies in the outer solar
system is studied on the basis of the abundances of key molecular species.
Formation models in which significant infall of icy and rocky planetesi-
mals accompanies planet formation is supported by the enrichment of methane
and deuterated species from Jupiter and Neptune. The chemistry of the solar
nebula and Titan are discussed. The prospects for obtaining information on
the atmosphere of Triton from the Voyager 2 mission are considered. It is
found that the mean density of the Pluto-Charon system implies an origin
in the rather water-poor solar nebula.

Science,ISSN 0036-8075, vol. 245, July 14, 1989, p. 141-147.