The Jovian ionospheric E region

Abstract

We have constructed a model of the Jovian ionosphere that includes direct photoionization of hydrocarbon molecules. A high resolution solar spectrum was synthesized from Hinteregger's solar maximum spectrum (F79050N) and high resolution cross sections for photoabsorption by H 2 bands in the range 842 to 1116 Å were constructed. Two strong solar lines and about 30% of the continuum flux between 912 and 1116 Å penetrate below the methane homopause despite strong absorption by CH 4 and H 2 . We find that hydrocarbons (mainly C 2 H 2 ) are ionized at a maximum rate of 55 cm −3 sec −1 at 320 km above the ammonia cloud tops. The hydrocarbon ions produced are quickly converted to more complex hydrocarbon ions through reactions with CH 4 , C 2 H 2 , C 2 H 6 , and C 2 C 4 . We find that a hydrocarbon ion layer is formed near 320 km that is about 50 km wide with a peak density in excess of 1 × 10 4 cm −3 .