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arXiv · astro-ph/0201231

NOTE: Titan's Atmosphere in Late Southern Spring Observed with Adaptive Optics on the W.M. Keck II 10-meter Telescope

Abstract

Using adaptive optics on the W.M. Keck II telescope we imaged Titan several times during 1999 to 2001 in narrowband near-infrared filters selected to probe Titan's stratosphere and upper troposphere. We observed a bright feature around the south pole, possibly a collar of haze or clouds. Further, we find that solar phase angle explains most of the observed east-west brightness asymmetry of Titan's atmosphere, although the data do not preclude the presence of a `morning fog' effect at small solar phase angle.

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Henry G. Roe, Imke de Pater, Bruce A. Macintosh, Seran G. Gibbard, Claire E. Max, Chris P. McKay. 2002-01-15. NOTE: Titan's Atmosphere in Late Southern Spring Observed with Adaptive Optics on the W.M. Keck II 10-meter Telescope. https://doi.org/10.1006/icar.2002.6831

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