The Photochemistry of the Upper Atmosphere of Jupiter

Abstract

Photochemical processes which must occur in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter are discussed and the significance of recent data pertinent to such reactions is analyzed. These data include (a) the ultraviolet solar radiation flux, (b) velocity constants and activation energies for many of the reactions, (c) absorption coefficients for some of the atmospheric constituents, and (d) semi-quantitative values for concentrations of major atmospheric constituents. A rough calculation of the influence of photochemical reactions on the atmospheric composition is described. The results suggest that molecular hydrogen undergoes a slow photolysis to a considerable depth in the atmosphere thus maintaining the high concentrations of methane and ammonia.