The precipitation of energetic heavy ions into the upper atmosphere of Jupiter

Abstract

Evidence for auroral particle precipitation at Jupiter was provided by the ultraviolet spectrometers on board the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft and by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). Magnetospheric measurements made by instruments on board the Voyager spacecraft indicate that energetic sulfur and oxygen ions are precipitating into the upper atmosphere of Jupiter. We have constructed a theoretical model describing the interaction of precipitating oxygen with the Jovian atmosphere. The auroral energy is deposited in the atmosphere by means of ionization, excitation, and dissociation and heating of the atmospheric gas. Energetic ion precipitation and electron precipitation are shown to have similar effects on the atmosphere and ionosphere of Jupiter.