Program: GN-2019B-Q-102

The powerful combination of Gemini and the TEXES instrument in March 2017 provided the highest-resolution spectral maps of Jupiter's tropical atmosphere ever obtained, surpassing all previous mid-IR observations from Earth or space. Here we propose to acquire a multi-spectral global map in October 2019 between Juno's 22nd and 23rd periojoves, using the same nine spectral settings (R=2000-15000) at 5-18 µm from March 2017, but extending the previous coverage from equatorial to mid- and high-latitudes. These high-spatial reoslution observations will provide a unique opportunity for TEXES to characterise the thermal, aerosol, and compositional changes driving a substantial disturbance in Jupiter’s Equatorial Zone (EZ), recently discovered by our team. This is the first such disturbance in ~13 years. The proposed global map will allow us (a) characterise the environmental changes and evolution of this rare EZ disturbance, and relate this to changes in the upwelling of NH3 gas observed by Juno’s Microwave Radiometer in the deeper atmosphere, and (b) reveal the thermal structure assoacited with Jupiter's polar vortices, something impossible without an 8-m telescope.