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A G G M Tielens - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Methylpolynes and Small Hydrocarbons in CRL 618
2020Co-Authors: J Cernicharo, A G G M Tielens, Pardo A M Heras, J R Tielens, A G G M Guelin, Dartois, E. .. M, José Cernicharo, Ana M Heras, Juan R Pardo, Michel GuélinAbstract:ABSTRACT We report on the detection with the Infrared Space Observatory of strong Infrared absorption from NH 3 and C 2 H 4 in CRL 618. The observed NH 3 and C 2 H 4 bands arise from a region with kinetic temperatures Ӎ200 K, i.e., the dense gas in the photodissociation region associated to the dense torus surrounding the central star, as was the case for the polyynes and cyanopolyynes (see the companion Letter). Several absorption bands, probably arising from small gas-phase hydrocarbons, are observed between 5.5 and 11 mm. Two of these species have been identified with the 30 m IRAM telescope as the methylpolyynes CH 3 C 2 H and CH 3 C 4 H. However, the absorption around 6.2 mm is particularly broad and could arise from the combination of these small hydrocarbons and from the aromatic CuC stretching of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of moderate size. These bands and those associated to the polyynes, cyanopolyynes, methylpolyynes, and benzene are not present in the Infrared spectrum of the asymptotic giant branch star IRC ϩ10216
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the profiles of the 3 12 micron polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon features
The Astrophysical Journal, 2004Co-Authors: B Van Diedenhoven, S Hony, E Peeters, C Van Kerckhoven, D M Hudgins, L J Allamandola, A G G M TielensAbstract:We present spectra of the 3.3 μm and 11.2 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features of a large number of stellar sources, planetary nebulae, reflection nebulae, H II regions, and galaxies, obtained with Infrared Space Observatory Short Wavelength Spectrometer. Clear variations are present in the profiles of these features. Most of the sources show a symmetric 3.3 μm feature peaking at ~3.290 μm, while only very few show an asymmetric 3.3 μm feature peaking at a slightly longer wavelength. The profiles of the 11.2 μm feature are distinctly asymmetric. The majority of the sources has a 11.2 μm feature peaking between 11.20 and 11.24 μm, with a very steep blue rise and a low tail-to-top ratio. A few sources show a 11.2 μm feature with a peak position of ~11.25 μm, a less steep blue rise, and a high tail-to-top ratio. The sources are classified independently on the basis of the 3.3 and 11.2 μm feature profiles and peak positions. Correlations between these classes and those based on the 6-9 μm features (Peeters et al.) are found. In particular, sources with the most common profiles in the 6-9 μm region also show the most common 3.3 and 11.2 μm feature profiles. However, the uncommon profiles do not correlate with each other. Also, these classifications depend on the type of object. In general, H II regions, nonisolated Herbig AeBe stars and young stellar objects show the same profiles for all 3-12 μm features. Many planetary nebulae and post-asymptotic giant branch stars show uncommon feature profiles. The three galaxies in our sample show the same profiles as the H II regions for all but the 11.2 μm feature, being similar to that of evolved stars. The observed pronounced contrast in the spectral variations for the CH modes (3.3 and 11.2 μm bands) versus the CC modes (6.2, 7.7, and 8.6 μm bands) is striking: the peak wavelengths of the features attributed to CC modes vary by ~15-80 cm-1, while for the CH modes the variations are ~4-6.5 cm-1. We summarize existing laboratory data and theoretical calculations of the modes emitting in the 3-12 μm region of PAH molecules and complexes. In contrast to the 6.2 and 7.7 μm components, which are attributed to PAH cations, the 3.3 μm feature appears to originate in neutral and/or negatively charged PAHs. We attribute the variations in peak position and profile of these IR emission features to the composition of the PAH family. The variations in FWHM of the 3.3 μm feature remains an enigma, while those of the 11.2 μm can be explained by anharmonicity and molecular structure. The possible origin of the observed contrast in profile variations between the CH modes and the CC modes is highlighted.
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the absence of crystalline silicates in the diffuse interstellar medium
The Astrophysical Journal, 2004Co-Authors: F Kemper, Willemjan Vriend, A G G M TielensAbstract:Infrared spectroscopy provides a direct handle on the composition and structure of interstellar dust. We have studied the dust along the line of sight toward the Galactic center using Short Wavelength Spectrometer data obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). We focused on the wavelength region from 8 to 13 μm, which is dominated by the strong silicate absorption feature. Using the absorption profiles observed toward Galactic center sources 3 and 4, which are C-rich Wolf-Rayet Stars, as reference objects, we are able to disentangle the interstellar silicate absorption and the silicate emission intrinsic to the source, toward Sgr A* and derive a very accurate profile for the intrinsic 9.7 μm band. The interstellar absorption band is smooth and featureless and is well reproduced using a mixture of 15.1% amorphous pyroxene and 84.9% of amorphous olivine by mass, all in spherical submicron-sized grains. There is no direct evidence for substructure due to interstellar crystalline silicates. By minimizing χ2 of spectral fits to the absorption feature, we are able to determine an upper limit to the degree of crystallinity of silicates in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) and conclude that the crystalline fraction of the interstellar silicates is 0.2% ± 0.2% by mass. This is much lower than the degree of crystallinity observed in silicates in the circumstellar environment of evolved stars, the main contributors of dust to the ISM. There are two possible explanations for this discrepancy. First, an amorphization process occurs in the ISM on a timescale significantly shorter than the destruction timescale, possibly caused by particle bombardment by heavyweight ions. Second, we consider the possibility that the crystalline silicates in stellar ejecta are diluted by an additional source of amorphous silicates, in particular supernovae. We also compare our results with a study on silicate presolar grains found in interplanetary dust particles.
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the absence of crystalline silicates in the diffuse interstellar medium
arXiv: Astrophysics, 2004Co-Authors: F Kemper, Willemjan Vriend, A G G M TielensAbstract:We have studied the dust along the line-of-sight towards the Galactic Center using Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) data obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). We focussed on the wavelength region from 8-13 micron which is dominated by the strong silicate absorption feature. Using the absorption profiles observed towards Galactic Center Sources (GCS) 3 and 4, which are C-rich Wolf-Rayet Stars, as reference objects, we are able to disentangle the interstellar silicate absorption and the silicate emission intrinsic to the source, toward Sgr A* and derive a very accurate profile for the intrinsic 9.7 micron band. The interstellar absorption band is smooth and featureless and is well reproduced using a mixture of 15.1% amorphous pyroxene and 84.9% of amorphous olivine by mass, all in spherical sub-micron-sized grains. There is no direct evidence for substructure due to interstellar crystalline silicates. We are able to determine an upper limit to the degree of crystallinity of silicates in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM), and conclude that the crystalline fraction of the interstellar silicates is 0.2% (+/- 0.2%) by mass. This is much lower than the degree of crystallinity observed in silicates in the circumstellar environment of evolved stars, the main contributors of dust to the ISM. There are two possible explanations for this discrepancy. First, an amorphization process occurs in the ISM on a time scale significantly shorter than the destruction time scale, possibly caused by particle bombardment by heavyweight ions. Second, we consider the possibility that the crystalline silicates in stellar ejecta are diluted by an additional source of amorphous silicates, in particular supernovae.
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interstellar ice the Infrared Space Observatory legacy
Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 2004Co-Authors: A C A Boogert, D C B Whittet, E L Gibb, A G G M TielensAbstract:We present 2.5-30 mum spectra from the Short-Wavelength Spectrometer of the Infrared Space Observatory for a total of 23 sources. The sources include embedded young stellar objects spanning a wide range of mass and luminosity, together with field stars sampling quiescent dark clouds and the diffuse interstellar medium. Expanding on results of previous studies, we use these spectra to investigate ice composition as a function of environment. The spectra reveal an extremely rich set of absorption features attributed to simple molecules in the ices. We discuss the observed properties of these absorption features and review their assignments. Among the species securely identified are H2O, CO, CO2, CH3OH, and CH4. Likely identified species include OCS, H2CO, and HCOOH. There is also evidence for NH3 and OCN- ice features, but these identifications are more controversial. Features that continue to defy identification include the 3.3-3.7 mum "ice band wing'' and the bulk of the 6.8 mum feature. In addition, we find evidence for excess absorption at 6.0 mum that cannot be attributed to H2O ice. We examine the degree of intercorrelation of the 6.8 mum, 4.62 mum ("XCN'') and 6.0 mum (excess) features. Our results are consistent with the interpretation of the 6.8 and 4.62 mum features as due to NH4+ and OCN- ions, respectively, though alternative explanations cannot currently be ruled out. We find that the optical depth correlations are dependent on the profile of the 6.8 mum feature but not on the mass of the YSO nor the ice temperature along the line of sight. We discuss the implications for our current understanding of ice processing. We briefly discuss the composition, origin, and evolution of interstellar ices.
H Feuchtgruber - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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herschel map of saturn s stratospheric water delivered by the plumes of enceladus
Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2019Co-Authors: E Lellouch, H Feuchtgruber, R. Moreno, C. Jarchow, T Cavalie, Vincent Hue, P Hartogh, T Cassidy, Leigh N FletcherAbstract:Context. The origin of water in the stratospheres of giant planets has been an outstanding question ever since its first detection by the Infrared Space Observatory some 20 years ago. Water can originate from interplanetary dust particles, icy rings and satellites, and large comet impacts. Analyses of Herschel Space Observatory observations have proven that the bulk of Jupiter’s stratospheric water was delivered by the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts in 1994. In 2006, the Cassini mission detected water plumes at the South Pole of Enceladus, which made the moon a serious candidate for Saturn’s stratospheric water. Further evidence was found in 2011 when Herschel demonstrated the presence of a water torus at the orbital distance of Enceladus that was fed by the moon’s plumes. Finally, water falling from the rings onto Saturn’s uppermost atmospheric layers at low latitudes was detected during the final orbits of Cassini’s end-of-mission plunge into the atmosphere.Aims. In this paper, we use Herschel mapping observations of water in Saturn’s stratosphere to identify its source.Methods. We tested several empirical models against the Herschel -HIFI and -PACS observations, which were collected on December 30, 2010, and January 2, 2011, respectively.Results. We demonstrate that Saturn’s stratospheric water is not uniformly mixed as a function of latitude, but peaks at the equator and decreases poleward with a Gaussian distribution. We obtain our best fit with an equatorial mole fraction 1.1 ppb and a half width at half maximum of 25°, when accounting for a temperature increase in the two warm stratospheric vortices produced by Saturn’s Great Storm of 2010–2011.Conclusions. This work demonstrates that Enceladus is the main source of Saturn’s stratospheric water.
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the d h ratio in the atmospheres of uranus and neptune from herschel pacs observations
arXiv: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics, 2013Co-Authors: H Feuchtgruber, E Lellouch, Thijs De Graauw, R. Moreno, G. S. Orton, C. Jarchow, B Vandenbussche, B M Swinyard, F BillebaudAbstract:Herschel-PACS measurements of the rotational R(0) and R(1) HD lines in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are analyzed in order to derive a D/H ratio with improved precision for both planets. The derivation of the D/H ratio includes also previous measurements of the R(2) line by the Short Wavelength Spectrometer on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The available spectroscopic line information of the three rotational transitions is discussed and applied in the radiative transfer calculations. The best simultaneous fit of all three lines requires only a minor departure from the Spitzer temperature profile of Uranus and a departure limited to 2K from the Voyager temperature profile of Neptune (both around the tropopause). The resulting and remarkably similar D/H ratios for Uranus and Neptune are found to be (4.4$\pm$0.4)$\times10^{-5}$ and (4.1$\pm$0.4)$\times10^{-5}$ respectively. Although the deuterium enrichment in both atmospheres compared to the protosolar value is confirmed, it is found to be lower compared to previous analysis. Using the interior models of Podolak et al. (1995), Helled et al. (2011) and Nettelmann et al. (2013), and assuming that complete mixing of the atmosphere and interior occured during the planets history, we derive a D/H in protoplanetary ices between (5.75--7.0)$\times10^{-5}$ for Uranus and between (5.1--7.7)$\times10^{-5}$ for Neptune. Conversely, adopting a cometary D/H for the protoplanetary ices between (15-30)$\times10^{-5}$, we constrain the interior models of both planets to have an ice mass fraction of 14-32%, i.e. that the two planets are rock-dominated.
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photochemistry and diffusion in jupiter s stratosphere constraints from iso observations and comparisons with other giant planets
Journal of Geophysical Research, 2005Co-Authors: Julianne I Moses, E Lellouch, B Bezard, T Fouchet, G R Gladstone, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:[1] We have developed a one-dimensional, diurnally averaged, photochemical model for Jupiter's stratosphere that couples photodissociation, chemical kinetics, vertical diffusion, and radiative transport. The predictions regarding the abundances and vertical profiles of hydrocarbon compounds are compared with observations from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) to better constrain the atmospheric composition, to better define the eddy diffusion coefficient profile, and to better understand the chemical reaction schemes that produce and destroy the observed constituents. From model-data comparisons we determine that the C2H6 mole fraction on Jupiter is (4.0 ± 1.0) × 10−6 at 3.5 mbar and (2.7 ± 0.7) × 10−6 at 7 mbar, and the C2H2 mole fraction is (1.4 ± 0.8) × 10−6 at 0.25 mbar and (1.5 ± 0.4) × 10−7 at 2 mbar. The column densities of CH3C2H and C6H6 are (1.5 ± 0.4) × 1015 cm−2 and (8.0 ± 2) × 1014 cm−2, respectively, above 30 mbar. Using identical reaction lists, we also have developed photochemical models for Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Although the models provide good first-order predictions of hydrocarbon abundances on the giant planets, our current chemical reaction schemes do not reproduce the relative abundances of C2Hx hydrocarbons. Unsaturated hydrocarbons like C2H4 and C2H2 appear to be converted to saturated hydrocarbons like C2H6 more effectively on Jupiter than on the other giant planets, more effectively than is predicted by the models. Further progress in our understanding of photochemistry at low temperatures and low pressures in hydrogen-dominated atmospheres hinges on the acquisition of high-quality kinetics data.
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titan s atmosphere from iso mid Infrared spectroscopy
Icarus, 2003Co-Authors: A Coustenis, E Lellouch, Therese Encrenaz, A Salama, B Schulz, D Gautier, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:Abstract We have analyzed Titan observations performed by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in the range 7–30 μm. The spectra obtained by three of the instruments on board the mission (the short wavelength spectrometer, the photometer, and the camera) were combined to provide new and more precise thermal and compositional knowledge of Titan’s stratosphere. With the high spectral resolution achieved by the SWS (much higher than that of the Voyager 1 IRIS spectrometer), we were able to detect and separate the contributions of most of the atmospheric gases present on Titan and to determine disk-averaged mole fractions. We have also tested existing vertical distributions for C2H2, HCN, C2H6, and CO2 and inferred some information on the abundance of the first species as a function of altitude. From the CH3D band at 1161 cm−1 and for a CH4 mole fraction assumed to be 1.9% in Titan’s stratosphere, we have obtained the monodeuterated methane-averaged abundance and retrieved a D/H isotopic ratio of 8.7−1.9+3.2 × 10−5. We discuss the implications of this value with respect to current evolutionary scenarios for Titan. The ν5 band of HC3N at 663 cm−1 was observed for the first time in a disk-averaged spectrum. We have also obtained a first tentative detection of benzene at 674 cm−1, where the fit of the ISO/SWS spectrum at R = 1980 is significantly improved when a constant mean mole fraction of 4 × 10−10 of C6H6 is incorporated into the atmospheric model. This corresponds to a column density of ∼ 2 × 1015 molecules cm−2 above the 30-mbar level. We have also tested available vertical profiles for HC3N and C6H6 and adjusted them to fit the data. Finally, we have inferred upper limits of a few 10−10 for a number of molecules proposed as likely candidates on Titan (such as allene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, and other more complex gases).
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the hydrogen ortho to para ratio in the stratospheres of the giant planets
Icarus, 2003Co-Authors: T Fouchet, E Lellouch, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:Abstract Observations of the H2 S(0) and S(1) quadrupole lines in the four giant planets by the short-wavelength spectrometer of the Infrared Space Observatory are analyzed. These lines probe pressure levels located between 10 and 1 mbar and allow us to determine the stratospheric hydrogen para fraction for the first time. In Jupiter and Saturn, the stratospheric para fraction is close to its tropopause value. In the stratosphere of these planets as well as in Neptune’s, the para fraction presents a significant departure from thermodynamic equilibrium. This situation results from a lagged conversion between the ortho and the para states as molecular hydrogen is transported upward under the influence of turbulent eddy diffusion. In contrast, the uranian stratosphere lies close to thermodynamic equilibrium. The magnitude of the departure from thermodynamic equilibrium appears to be anti-correlated with the amount of stratospheric aerosols. To validate this assumption, we estimate the hydrogen equilibration time with a one-dimensional diffusion model for different conversion processes in the gas phase or on aerosols. The comparison between our results and the tropospheric estimates from Conrath et al. (1998 , Icarus, 135, 501–517) shows that paramagnetic conversion on aerosols matches the estimated tropospheric and stratospheric relaxation times in the four giant planets. In contrast, paramagnetic conversion in the gas phase can only explain the relaxation times measured in Jupiter and Saturn atmospheres. This situation provides quantitative evidence for an equilibration mechanism dominated by conversion on aerosols.
E I Chiang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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spectral energy distributions of passive t tauri and herbig ae disks grain mineralogy parameter dependences and comparison with Infrared Space Observatory lws observations
The Astrophysical Journal, 2001Co-Authors: E I Chiang, M K Joung, M J Creecheakman, Jacqueline E Kessler, Geoffrey A Blake, E F Van DishoeckAbstract:We improve upon the radiative, hydrostatic equilibrium models of passive circumstellar disks constructed by Chiang & Goldreich. New features include (1) an account for a range of particle sizes, (2) employment of laboratory-based optical constants of representative grain materials, and (3) numerical solution of the equations of radiative and hydrostatic equilibrium within the original two-layer (disk surface plus disk interior) approximation. We systematically explore how the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a face-on disk depends on grain size distributions, disk geometries and surface densities, and stellar photospheric temperatures. Observed SEDs of three Herbig Ae and two T Tauri stars, including spectra from the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), are fitted with our models. Silicate emission bands from optically thin, superheated disk surface layers appear in nearly all systems. Water ice emission bands appear in LWS spectra of two of the coolest stars. Infrared excesses in several sources are consistent with significant vertical settling of photospheric grains. While this work furnishes further evidence that passive reprocessing of starlight by flared disks adequately explains the origin of Infrared-to-millimeter wavelength excesses of young stars, we emphasize by explicit calculations how the SED alone does not provide sufficient information to constrain particle sizes and disk masses uniquely.
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spectral energy distributions of t tauri and herbig ae disks grain mineralogy parameter dependences and comparison with iso lws observations
arXiv: Astrophysics, 2000Co-Authors: E I Chiang, M K Joung, M J Creecheakman, Jacqueline E Kessler, Geoffrey A Blake, E F Van DishoeckAbstract:We improve upon the radiative, hydrostatic equilibrium models of passive circumstellar disks constructed by Chiang & Goldreich (1997). New features include (1) account for a range of particle sizes, (2) employment of laboratory-based optical constants of representative grain materials, and (3) numerical solution of the equations of radiative and hydrostatic equilibrium within the original 2-layer (disk surface + disk interior) approximation. We explore how the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a face-on disk depends on grain size distributions, disk geometries and surface densities, and stellar photospheric temperatures. Observed SEDs of 3 Herbig Ae and 2 T Tauri stars, including spectra from the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), are fitted with our models. Silicate emission bands from optically thin, superheated disk surface layers appear in nearly all systems. Water ice emission bands appear in LWS spectra of 2 of the coolest stars. Infrared excesses in several sources are consistent with vertical settling of photospheric grains. While this work furnishes further evidence that passive reprocessing of starlight by flared disks adequately explains the origin of Infrared-to-millimeter wavelength excesses of young stars, we emphasize how the SED alone does not provide sufficient information to constrain particle sizes and disk masses uniquely.
E F Van Dishoeck - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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spectral energy distributions of passive t tauri and herbig ae disks grain mineralogy parameter dependences and comparison with Infrared Space Observatory lws observations
The Astrophysical Journal, 2001Co-Authors: E I Chiang, M K Joung, M J Creecheakman, Jacqueline E Kessler, Geoffrey A Blake, E F Van DishoeckAbstract:We improve upon the radiative, hydrostatic equilibrium models of passive circumstellar disks constructed by Chiang & Goldreich. New features include (1) an account for a range of particle sizes, (2) employment of laboratory-based optical constants of representative grain materials, and (3) numerical solution of the equations of radiative and hydrostatic equilibrium within the original two-layer (disk surface plus disk interior) approximation. We systematically explore how the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a face-on disk depends on grain size distributions, disk geometries and surface densities, and stellar photospheric temperatures. Observed SEDs of three Herbig Ae and two T Tauri stars, including spectra from the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), are fitted with our models. Silicate emission bands from optically thin, superheated disk surface layers appear in nearly all systems. Water ice emission bands appear in LWS spectra of two of the coolest stars. Infrared excesses in several sources are consistent with significant vertical settling of photospheric grains. While this work furnishes further evidence that passive reprocessing of starlight by flared disks adequately explains the origin of Infrared-to-millimeter wavelength excesses of young stars, we emphasize by explicit calculations how the SED alone does not provide sufficient information to constrain particle sizes and disk masses uniquely.
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spectral energy distributions of t tauri and herbig ae disks grain mineralogy parameter dependences and comparison with iso lws observations
arXiv: Astrophysics, 2000Co-Authors: E I Chiang, M K Joung, M J Creecheakman, Jacqueline E Kessler, Geoffrey A Blake, E F Van DishoeckAbstract:We improve upon the radiative, hydrostatic equilibrium models of passive circumstellar disks constructed by Chiang & Goldreich (1997). New features include (1) account for a range of particle sizes, (2) employment of laboratory-based optical constants of representative grain materials, and (3) numerical solution of the equations of radiative and hydrostatic equilibrium within the original 2-layer (disk surface + disk interior) approximation. We explore how the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a face-on disk depends on grain size distributions, disk geometries and surface densities, and stellar photospheric temperatures. Observed SEDs of 3 Herbig Ae and 2 T Tauri stars, including spectra from the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), are fitted with our models. Silicate emission bands from optically thin, superheated disk surface layers appear in nearly all systems. Water ice emission bands appear in LWS spectra of 2 of the coolest stars. Infrared excesses in several sources are consistent with vertical settling of photospheric grains. While this work furnishes further evidence that passive reprocessing of starlight by flared disks adequately explains the origin of Infrared-to-millimeter wavelength excesses of young stars, we emphasize how the SED alone does not provide sufficient information to constrain particle sizes and disk masses uniquely.
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the composition and distribution of dust along the line of sight towards the galactic center
arXiv: Astrophysics, 2000Co-Authors: J E Chiar, A G G M Tielens, D C B Whittet, W A Schutte, A C A Boogert, D Lutz, E F Van Dishoeck, Max P BernsteinAbstract:We discuss the composition of dust and ice along the line of sight to the Galactic Center (GC) based on analysis of mid-Infrared spectra (2.4-13 micron) from the Short Wavelength Spectrometer on the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). We have analyzed dust absorption features arising in the molecular cloud material and the diffuse interstellar medium along the lines of sight toward Sagittarius A* and the Quintuplet sources, GCS3 and GCS4. It is evident from the depth of the 3.0 micron H2O and the 4.27 micron CO2 ice features that there is more molecular cloud material along the line of sight toward Sgr A* than GCS3 and 4. In fact, Sgr A* has a rich Infrared ice spectrum with evidence for the presence of solid CH4, NH3, and possibly HCOOH. Hydrocarbon dust in the diffuse interstellar medium along the line of sight to the GC is characterized by absorption features centered at 3.4, 6.85, and 7.25 micron. Ground-based studies have identified the 3.4 micron feature with aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ISO has given us the first meaningful observations of the corresponding modes at longer wavelengths. The integrated strengths of these three features suggest that hydrogenated amorphous carbon is their carrier. We attribute an absorption feature centered at 3.28 micron in the GCS3 spectrum to the C-H stretch in aromatic hydrocarbons. This feature is not detected, and its C-C stretch counterpart appears to be weaker, in the SgrA* spectrum. One of the key questions which now arises is whether aromatics are a widespread component of the diffuse interstellar medium, analogous to aliphatic hydrocarbons.
E Lellouch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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herschel map of saturn s stratospheric water delivered by the plumes of enceladus
Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2019Co-Authors: E Lellouch, H Feuchtgruber, R. Moreno, C. Jarchow, T Cavalie, Vincent Hue, P Hartogh, T Cassidy, Leigh N FletcherAbstract:Context. The origin of water in the stratospheres of giant planets has been an outstanding question ever since its first detection by the Infrared Space Observatory some 20 years ago. Water can originate from interplanetary dust particles, icy rings and satellites, and large comet impacts. Analyses of Herschel Space Observatory observations have proven that the bulk of Jupiter’s stratospheric water was delivered by the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts in 1994. In 2006, the Cassini mission detected water plumes at the South Pole of Enceladus, which made the moon a serious candidate for Saturn’s stratospheric water. Further evidence was found in 2011 when Herschel demonstrated the presence of a water torus at the orbital distance of Enceladus that was fed by the moon’s plumes. Finally, water falling from the rings onto Saturn’s uppermost atmospheric layers at low latitudes was detected during the final orbits of Cassini’s end-of-mission plunge into the atmosphere.Aims. In this paper, we use Herschel mapping observations of water in Saturn’s stratosphere to identify its source.Methods. We tested several empirical models against the Herschel -HIFI and -PACS observations, which were collected on December 30, 2010, and January 2, 2011, respectively.Results. We demonstrate that Saturn’s stratospheric water is not uniformly mixed as a function of latitude, but peaks at the equator and decreases poleward with a Gaussian distribution. We obtain our best fit with an equatorial mole fraction 1.1 ppb and a half width at half maximum of 25°, when accounting for a temperature increase in the two warm stratospheric vortices produced by Saturn’s Great Storm of 2010–2011.Conclusions. This work demonstrates that Enceladus is the main source of Saturn’s stratospheric water.
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the d h ratio in the atmospheres of uranus and neptune from herschel pacs observations
arXiv: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics, 2013Co-Authors: H Feuchtgruber, E Lellouch, Thijs De Graauw, R. Moreno, G. S. Orton, C. Jarchow, B Vandenbussche, B M Swinyard, F BillebaudAbstract:Herschel-PACS measurements of the rotational R(0) and R(1) HD lines in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are analyzed in order to derive a D/H ratio with improved precision for both planets. The derivation of the D/H ratio includes also previous measurements of the R(2) line by the Short Wavelength Spectrometer on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The available spectroscopic line information of the three rotational transitions is discussed and applied in the radiative transfer calculations. The best simultaneous fit of all three lines requires only a minor departure from the Spitzer temperature profile of Uranus and a departure limited to 2K from the Voyager temperature profile of Neptune (both around the tropopause). The resulting and remarkably similar D/H ratios for Uranus and Neptune are found to be (4.4$\pm$0.4)$\times10^{-5}$ and (4.1$\pm$0.4)$\times10^{-5}$ respectively. Although the deuterium enrichment in both atmospheres compared to the protosolar value is confirmed, it is found to be lower compared to previous analysis. Using the interior models of Podolak et al. (1995), Helled et al. (2011) and Nettelmann et al. (2013), and assuming that complete mixing of the atmosphere and interior occured during the planets history, we derive a D/H in protoplanetary ices between (5.75--7.0)$\times10^{-5}$ for Uranus and between (5.1--7.7)$\times10^{-5}$ for Neptune. Conversely, adopting a cometary D/H for the protoplanetary ices between (15-30)$\times10^{-5}$, we constrain the interior models of both planets to have an ice mass fraction of 14-32%, i.e. that the two planets are rock-dominated.
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photochemistry and diffusion in jupiter s stratosphere constraints from iso observations and comparisons with other giant planets
Journal of Geophysical Research, 2005Co-Authors: Julianne I Moses, E Lellouch, B Bezard, T Fouchet, G R Gladstone, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:[1] We have developed a one-dimensional, diurnally averaged, photochemical model for Jupiter's stratosphere that couples photodissociation, chemical kinetics, vertical diffusion, and radiative transport. The predictions regarding the abundances and vertical profiles of hydrocarbon compounds are compared with observations from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) to better constrain the atmospheric composition, to better define the eddy diffusion coefficient profile, and to better understand the chemical reaction schemes that produce and destroy the observed constituents. From model-data comparisons we determine that the C2H6 mole fraction on Jupiter is (4.0 ± 1.0) × 10−6 at 3.5 mbar and (2.7 ± 0.7) × 10−6 at 7 mbar, and the C2H2 mole fraction is (1.4 ± 0.8) × 10−6 at 0.25 mbar and (1.5 ± 0.4) × 10−7 at 2 mbar. The column densities of CH3C2H and C6H6 are (1.5 ± 0.4) × 1015 cm−2 and (8.0 ± 2) × 1014 cm−2, respectively, above 30 mbar. Using identical reaction lists, we also have developed photochemical models for Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Although the models provide good first-order predictions of hydrocarbon abundances on the giant planets, our current chemical reaction schemes do not reproduce the relative abundances of C2Hx hydrocarbons. Unsaturated hydrocarbons like C2H4 and C2H2 appear to be converted to saturated hydrocarbons like C2H6 more effectively on Jupiter than on the other giant planets, more effectively than is predicted by the models. Further progress in our understanding of photochemistry at low temperatures and low pressures in hydrogen-dominated atmospheres hinges on the acquisition of high-quality kinetics data.
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titan s atmosphere from iso mid Infrared spectroscopy
Icarus, 2003Co-Authors: A Coustenis, E Lellouch, Therese Encrenaz, A Salama, B Schulz, D Gautier, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:Abstract We have analyzed Titan observations performed by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in the range 7–30 μm. The spectra obtained by three of the instruments on board the mission (the short wavelength spectrometer, the photometer, and the camera) were combined to provide new and more precise thermal and compositional knowledge of Titan’s stratosphere. With the high spectral resolution achieved by the SWS (much higher than that of the Voyager 1 IRIS spectrometer), we were able to detect and separate the contributions of most of the atmospheric gases present on Titan and to determine disk-averaged mole fractions. We have also tested existing vertical distributions for C2H2, HCN, C2H6, and CO2 and inferred some information on the abundance of the first species as a function of altitude. From the CH3D band at 1161 cm−1 and for a CH4 mole fraction assumed to be 1.9% in Titan’s stratosphere, we have obtained the monodeuterated methane-averaged abundance and retrieved a D/H isotopic ratio of 8.7−1.9+3.2 × 10−5. We discuss the implications of this value with respect to current evolutionary scenarios for Titan. The ν5 band of HC3N at 663 cm−1 was observed for the first time in a disk-averaged spectrum. We have also obtained a first tentative detection of benzene at 674 cm−1, where the fit of the ISO/SWS spectrum at R = 1980 is significantly improved when a constant mean mole fraction of 4 × 10−10 of C6H6 is incorporated into the atmospheric model. This corresponds to a column density of ∼ 2 × 1015 molecules cm−2 above the 30-mbar level. We have also tested available vertical profiles for HC3N and C6H6 and adjusted them to fit the data. Finally, we have inferred upper limits of a few 10−10 for a number of molecules proposed as likely candidates on Titan (such as allene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, and other more complex gases).
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the hydrogen ortho to para ratio in the stratospheres of the giant planets
Icarus, 2003Co-Authors: T Fouchet, E Lellouch, H FeuchtgruberAbstract:Abstract Observations of the H2 S(0) and S(1) quadrupole lines in the four giant planets by the short-wavelength spectrometer of the Infrared Space Observatory are analyzed. These lines probe pressure levels located between 10 and 1 mbar and allow us to determine the stratospheric hydrogen para fraction for the first time. In Jupiter and Saturn, the stratospheric para fraction is close to its tropopause value. In the stratosphere of these planets as well as in Neptune’s, the para fraction presents a significant departure from thermodynamic equilibrium. This situation results from a lagged conversion between the ortho and the para states as molecular hydrogen is transported upward under the influence of turbulent eddy diffusion. In contrast, the uranian stratosphere lies close to thermodynamic equilibrium. The magnitude of the departure from thermodynamic equilibrium appears to be anti-correlated with the amount of stratospheric aerosols. To validate this assumption, we estimate the hydrogen equilibration time with a one-dimensional diffusion model for different conversion processes in the gas phase or on aerosols. The comparison between our results and the tropospheric estimates from Conrath et al. (1998 , Icarus, 135, 501–517) shows that paramagnetic conversion on aerosols matches the estimated tropospheric and stratospheric relaxation times in the four giant planets. In contrast, paramagnetic conversion in the gas phase can only explain the relaxation times measured in Jupiter and Saturn atmospheres. This situation provides quantitative evidence for an equilibration mechanism dominated by conversion on aerosols.