Engineering topics

West, Robert A.

Publications and source records attributed to West, Robert A..

25 records · Page 2

NASA NTRS1991

Clouds and aerosols in the Uranian atmosphere

Data accumulated from ground-based instruments, the IUE satellite, and Voyager experiments are used to determine the properties of at least three types of cloud and haze layers in the Uranian atmosphere. Studies of ground-based and IUE spectrophotometry data suggest an optically thin stratospheric haze, and optically thicker but surprisingly thin methane cloud near or above the 2-bar level, and a deeper cloud top of unknown composition near the 3-bar level. A strong increase in the intensity of scattered light from about 147 to 157 deg phase angle, as observed with the imaging experiment, provides definitive evidence for the presence of haze in the stratosphere. A combined radiative-transfer, microphysical, and photochemical model of these data indicates that the haze is located chiefly at pressures in excess of 1 microbar; that it is composed of condensed ethane, acetylene, and diacetylene; that its optical depth is on the order of 0.01 in the stratosphere; that the typical particle size is approximately 0.1; and that the haze is being produced at a rate of about 10 exp -16 g/ cm

West, Robert A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Photometry from Voyager 2 - Initial results from the Neptunian atmosphere, satellites, and rings

Voyager 2 has performed photopolarimetric measurements for the planet, several of its satellites, and its ring system. The Great Dark Spot is noted to appear as a low-albedo region, while the bright companion appear to lie at a higher altitude than the Great Dark Spot. Triton's linear phase coefficients are consistent with a solid-surface object having high reflectivity; its rotational phase curve indicates two major compositional units at its surface. The deficiency of material in Neptune's ring system by comparison with that of Uranus may indicate the absence of a recent moon-shattering event.

Lane, Arthur L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Infrared absorption features for tetrahedral ammonia ice crystals

An effort has been made to ascertain how particle shape and composition affect the strength and shape of resonant absorption features at 9.4 and 26 microns. A shifting of the peak of the resonance relative to that for spherical particles is noted in the computational results obtained for the extinction cross-sections of 0.5- and 1-micron, volume-equivalent radius tetrahedral NH3 ice crystals that either possessed or lacked foreign cores. It it judged unlikely that small, (less than 5-micron) NH3 particles could be the principal component of the haze in the 300-500 mbar region of Jupiter.

West, Robert A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Time-Variable Phenomena in the Jovian System

The current state of knowledge of dynamic processes in the Jovian system is assessed and summaries are provided of both theoretical and observational foundations upon which future research might be based. There are three sections: satellite phenomena and rings; magnetospheric phenomena, Io's torus, and aurorae; and atmospheric phenomena. Each chapter discusses time dependent theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting what is observed; others describe the evidence and nature of observed changes or their absence. A few chapters provide historical perspective and attempt to present a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of knowledge.

Belton, Michael J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Voyager 2 imaging eclipse observations of the Jovian high altitude haze

High stratospheric haze layer characteristics are presently explored in view of Voyager 2 wide-angle camera images of the Jupiter northern hemisphere dawn and dusk limbs. It is noted that such phenomena as particle size, refractive index, haze top altitude, and density have major effects on the intensity of scattered light; a unique solution specifying each of these is not possible. Important limits on the altitude of the haze top and haze extinction coefficients in the high stratosphere are nevertheless derived. The images show considerable, unanticipated differences between the dawn and dusk limbs at high latitude, suggesting a dynamically active upper atmosphere.

West, Robert A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Voyager 2 photopolarimeter observations of the Uranian satellites

The surfaces of the principal Uranian satellites are characterized on the basis of UV and IR geometric albedos, phase curves, and phase coefficients obtained in full-disk photopolarimetric observations during the Voyager 2 encounter with Uranus in January 1986. The data are presented in tables and graphs and found to be consistent with a heavily cratered terrain and loosely packed regolith. The Bond albedos are calculated as 0.22 + or - 0.1 for Ariel, 0.07 + or - 0.05 for Umbriel, 0.16 + or - 0.12 for Titania, and 0.19 + or - 0.22 for Oberon. The characteristics of the Uranian satellites indicate compositions (and probably formation conditions and surface-modification mechanisms) distinct from those of the Saturnian and Jovian satellites.

Nelson, Robert M.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Voyager 2 at Uranus - A synopsis of atmospheric science results

Knowledge of the Uranian atmosphere took a quantum leap when the Voyager 2 spacecraft made a close approach in January 1986. Among the highlights of the early results are measurements of the atmospheric composition (He mole fraction = 0.15; Ch4 mole fraction = 0.02), rotation period of the deep interior (17.24 h), thermal structure and dynamics (the planet is coldest at midlatitudes; retrograde equatorial winds are inferred), and upper-atmosphere processes (a phenomenon called electroglow is only partly understood and is recognized as an important process n all the major-planet atmospheres examined by Voyager).

West, Robert A.↗