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| Paper: |
Study of the Atmospheric Effects of Energetic Particle Precipitations on Giant Planets With the Habitable World Observatory |
| Monograph: |
10, HWO25 Proceedings Part I: Community Science Case Development Documents |
| Page: |
557 |
| Authors: |
J-Y. Chaufray; W. Dunn; L. N. Fletcher; L. Fossati; M. Galand; L. Gkouvelis; C. M. Jackmann; L. Lamy; L. Roth |
| DOI: |
10.26624/FLUQ8130 |
| Abstract: |
UV auroral emissions from giant planets are produced by extra-atmospheric energetic particles interacting
with an atmosphere. They have been observed on Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus and should be present on Neptune. Even if the mechanisms are similar, each planet is unique due to its specific source of magnetospheric
plasma and the structure and dynamics of its magnetosphere. How these precipitations modify atmospheric
heating, dynamics and chemical balance at local and global atmospheric scale is still poorly known, especially
on Uranus and Neptune, and critical to understanding the global atmosphere-magnetosphere system of giant
planets and exoplanets. In this manuscript we present how future observations by instruments, aboard the
Habitable World Observatory (HWO) will provide new information to better understand the origin and the
atmospheric effects of these precipitations. A major interest is for the distant magnetospheres of Uranus and
Neptune, never explored by an orbital spacecraft whose UV auroral emissions remains at (Uranus) or below
(Neptune) the HST sensitivity. Pollux is one such UV instrument concept, which will enable unprecedented
high spectral resolution at fine spatial scale not previously seen and polarimetric observations of the planetary
aurorae while LUMOS, another UV instrument will image the full auroral regions with a good spectral
resolution.
This article is an adaptation of a science case document developed for HWO’s Solar System
Steering Committee. |
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