Presentation #505.05 in the session Origin and Evolution of Giant Planet Systems I (Oral Presentation)
Jupiter’s polar atmosphere is affected by its interaction with the Jovian magnetosphere, which generates impressive auroras on the gas giant planet. Within the framework of the JWST Early Release Science 1373 program, the MIRI instrument, in its MRS mode, has been used to obtain spectroscopic data of Jupiter’s south polar region between 5 and 18 microns. In this contribution we will show the first spectral characterisation of aerosols in the south polar region of Jupiter. We have analysed two features located at 700 and 750 cm-1, consistent with the spectral signature of vibration modes of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons as previously found for Titan and Saturn (Vinatier et al., 2010, Guerlet et al., 2015). The high angular resolution of MIRI-MRS has allowed us to analyse the latitudinal trend of these aerosols, being present at latitudes poleward of 60S. In addition, the spectral resolution of MIRI-MRS has allowed us to analyse the spectral dependence of the optical thickness of these aerosols in the range 680-760 cm-1 with a resolution 10 times higher than that of Cassini-CIRS for Saturn and Titan. We will also use NIRCam images where stratospheric hazes are visible to compare the spatial distribution of both in search of a possible common origin.
In addition, we have analysed the abundance of stratospheric benzene from the emission band at 674 cm-1. We will present its meridional distribution from 45S to 80S, and we will discuss how it can be transported outside the south polar region where it is likely produced by auroral chemistry. We will also compare the aerosols and benzene results in order to stablish a link between both.