[en] High-resolution spectra of the Jovian aurora have been obtained with unprecedented spectral resolution in the 900-1190 Ì· window with the the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE), using the 30"x30" LWRS aperture. All observed features belong to the H[SUB]2[/SUB] transitions from the B, C, B', D, B" and D' electronic states to the ground-state. These emissions are excited by inelastic collisions of the primary and secondary auroral electrons with H[SUB]2[/SUB] molecules. The relative intensity distribution of the observed lines depends on the rotational temperature of the emitting layer and self-absorption. Below 1100 Ì· , the transitions leading to the v" = 0, 1 and 2 levels of ground-state are partially or totally absorbed by H[SUB]2[/SUB], giving indications about the vibrational H[SUB]2[/SUB] distribution and overlying column. After a validation with an unabsorbed and a self-absorbed laboratory spectrum obtained in controlled conditions (100K, 300 eV), this study compares the observations and synthetic spectra, generated by a code including the B, C and B', D, B" and D' Rydberg states. The rotational and vibrational H[SUB]2[/SUB] temperatures are determined as well as the overlying H[SUB]2[/SUB] column. The combination of these parameters is used to determine the depth of the auroral energy deposition. This work is based on data obtained for the Guaranteed Time Team by the NASA-CNES-CSA FUSE mission operated by the Johns Hopkins University. French participants are supported by CNES. Financial support to U.S. participants has been provided by NASA contract NAS5-32985.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Gustin, Jacques ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Labo de physique atmosphérique et planétaire (LPAP)
Feldman, P. D.; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Gérard, Jean-Claude ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Labo de physique atmosphérique et planétaire (LPAP)
Ben-Jaffel, L.; IAP, France
Desert, J*-M; IAP, France
Moos, H. W.; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Sahnow, D. J.; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Weaver, H. A.; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Wolven, B. C.; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore