The York Research Database
- » Research
- » York Research Database
- » Publications
- » Detection of the forbidden SO a(1) Delta -> X-3 Sigma(-) rovibronic tr...
Detection of the forbidden SO a(1) Delta -> X-3 Sigma(-) rovibronic transition on Io at 1.7 mu m
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Published copy (DOI)
Author(s)
Department/unit(s)
Publication details
| Journal | ICARUS |
|---|---|
| Date | Published - Mar 2002 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Volume | 156 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 296-301 |
| Original language | English |
Abstract
We report the discovery of the forbidden electronic a(1)Delta --> X(3)Sigma(-) transition of the SO radical on Io at 1.7 mum with the W. M. Keck II telescope on 24 September 1999 (UT), while the satellite was eclipsed by Jupiter. The shape of the SO emission band suggests a rotational temperature of similar to1000 K; i.e., the gas is extremely hot. We interpret the observed emission rate of similar to2 x 10(17) photons s(-1) to be caused by SO molecules in the excited a I A state being directly ejected from the vent at a thermodynamic quenching temperature of similar to1500 K, assuming a SO/SO2 abundance ratio of similar to0.1 and a total venting rate of similar to10(31) molecules s(-1) (Strobel and Wolven 2001, Astrophys. Space Sci. 277, 1-17). The shape of our complete (1.6-2.5 mum) spectrum suggests that the volcano Loki contains a small (similar to2 km(2)) hot spot at 960+/-12 K, as well as a larger (similar to50 km(2)) area at 640+/-5 K. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).
- Io, infrared observations, volcanism, atmosphere composition, atmosphere structure, MOLECULAR-OXYGEN, SULFUR MONOXIDE, SO2 ATMOSPHERE, PLASMA TORUS, TELESCOPE, STARS
Research areas
Discover related content
Find related publications, people, projects, datasets and more using interactive charts.