Program: GN-2020B-Q-101

Title:Time-Critical M-band Mapping of Jupiter --- Synergy with Juno, Hubble, VLA, Keck, and IRTF
PI:MICHAEL H WONG
Co-I(s): IMKE DE PATER, GLENN ORTON, GORDON L BJORAKER, ANDREW STEPHENS, MEGAN BARNETT

Abstract

Gemini-N NIRI global maps of Jupiter at 5 µm will provide a crucial component in a tightly focused observational campaign supporting Juno's microwave and infrared investigation of the atmosphere. Members of our small team are leading key support observations, each with great independent scientific value. The overarching goal of the joint campaign is to understand the 3D flow in Jupiter's atmosphere, with Hubble data measuring horizontal flow, and VLA / Keck / IRTF / Gemini data tracing vertical flow. In particular, NIRI will use clearings in the upper cloud decks (which are bright in M-band) to trace locations of downward dynamical flow. These coordinated observations are highly time-sensitive. We propose full-disk 5-µm maps with NIRI to coincide with four perijove passes in 2018A and one in 2018B (under NOAO Long Term status). The maps will play a key role in a worldwide effort to provide global context for Juno atmospheric data, which covers only a narrow north-south swath during the perijove pass of each 53-day orbit. Our lucky imaging data will be used to quantify errors in Juno microwave retrievals of O/H on Jupiter, caused by inhomogeneity in the atmosphere. We adopt a new, more time-efficient observing strategy compared to previous semesters.

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