Vincent Hue – The polar regions of Jupiter

Titre: The polar regions of Jupiter

Par : Vincent Hue (LAM)

Abstract: The polar atmosphere of Jupiter is a complex region were (photo-)chemistry, dynamics and magnetospheric-coupling are intertwined. Several decades of ground-based observations and spacecraft measurements (Cassini, Juno) are progressively revealing how rich and complex these regions are. Species such as HCN, CO, H2O were brought during the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact in 1994 and provide important dynamical tracers, as they have spread across Jupiter’s atmosphere over the last ~30 years. Hydrocarbons originate from methane-photolysis and are affected by auroral precipitations, leading to the formation of aerosols across the polar cap. Magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling generates powerful electrojets that drag the neutral stratosphere underneath. I will review our current understanding of these regions, based on observations from Cassini, Juno, ALMA, Gemini, and IRTF.