First Spitzer observations of Neptune: Detection of new hydrocarbons

Victoria S. Meadows, Glenn Orton, Michael Line, Mao Chang Liang, Yuk L. Yung, Jeffrey Van Cleve, Martin J. Burgdorf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present the first spectra of Neptune taken with the Spitzer Space Telescope, highlighting the high-sensitivity, moderate-resolution 10-20 μm (500-1000 cm-1) spectra. We report the discovery of methylacetylene (CH3C2H) and diacetylene (C4H2) with derived 0.1-mbar volume mixing ratios of (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-10 and (3 ± 1) × 10-12 respectively.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)585-589
Number of pages5
JournalIcarus
Volume197
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atmospheres
  • Infrared observations
  • Neptune
  • Spectroscopy
  • atmosphere
  • composition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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