Models of the SL‐9 collision‐generated hazes

Abstract

From subarcsec‐seeing infrared images and spectra in the K and H bands, we present reflectivities and limb‐darkening results for two of the hazy regions generated during the SL‐9 collision. These highly reflective impact areas at infrared methane wavelengths have been studied in terms of multiple scattering radiative models. The results for both the H and D/G impact remnants show that a considerable amount of particles have been injected in Jovian stratospheric levels from ∼1 mbar to the upper level of the assumed Jovian tropospheric NH 3 ice haze (at ∼350 mbar). Our models suggest a concentration of small particles, with mean radius of 0.15 µ m for a real refractive index of 1.7. The imaginary refractive indices are in the range 1 × 10 −4 to 1 × 10 −3 . For the H impact region, absorption at 2.0 µ m is enhanced compared to unperturbed regions at the same scattering geometry. This enhancement is not observed in the older D/G complex.