Cloud height differences on Saturn

Abstract

Spectrophotometry from 0.6-2.5 micron at 1.5% spectral resolution of Saturn's equator and visibly dark South Equatorial Belt near a 1980 ring-plane crossing shows substantially less absorption by methane over the equator than over the SEB. Model fits using Appleby's model atmosphere and a multiple scattering model lead to the conclusion that the pressure levels of the clouds in the two regions differ by 20%. The region of high clouds is coincident with the location of the equatorial fast jet observed by Voyager.