Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Jovian Ionospheric E Region, Y. H. Kim, Jane L. Fox

Physics Faculty Publications

We have constructed a model of the Jovian ionosphere that includes direct photoionization of hydrocarbon molecules. A high resolution solar spectrum was synthesized from Hinteregger's solar maximum spectrum (F79050N) and high resolution cross sections for photoabsorption by H₂ bands in the range 842 to 1116 Å were constructed. Two strong solar lines and about 30% of the continuum flux between 912 and 1116 Å penetrate below the methane homopause despite strong absorption by CH₄ and H₂. We find that hydrocarbons (mainly C₂H₂) are ionized at a maximum rate of 55 cm^{−3 …}