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Leonid I. Gurvits

Publications and source records attributed to Leonid I. Gurvits.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

RadioAstron space-VLBI imaging of the jet in M87: II. The parsec-scale structure at 4.8 GHz

We present RadioAstron observations of the M87 jet obtained on 2014 February 4-5 at 4.8 GHz ($λ=6.2$ cm). The correlated signals between the 10-m space antenna and ground-based radio telescopes were detected up to projected baselines of $\thicksim3$\,Earth diameters (0.65~G$λ$). The orientation of the jet downstream of the core shifts northward, consistent with the long-term oscillating trend reported in other studies. An elliptical body mode of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability can create the observed helical shape of the jet. The estimated wavelength of this instability mode suggests that its origin may be related to some processes in the accretion disc. We present 1.7 - 4.8 GHz and 4.8 - 15.4 GHz spectral index maps showing flattening of the spectrum along the outer streamlines and along the jet spine. Simulations and analysis show that this spectral flattening is partially artificial and is a common systematic effect of the CLEAN procedure of VLBI imaging. The spectral index of the M87 jet is consistent with the optically thin emission, while its steepening can be produced by the propagation of the instability modes causing higher pressure regions near the jet boundary and in its interior.

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Revisiting the angular size-redshift cosmological test with milliarcsecond radio structures in active galactic nuclei

VLBI measurements of the sizes of compact extragalactic radio sources, jetted active galactic nuclei, provide data for probing the angular size--redshift relation, offering a complementary test to other distance--redshift methods. We analyse a significantly expanded dataset to reassess the angular size--redshift relation and its potential for constraining cosmological model parameters, focusing on the matter density parameter $Ω_{\mathrm{m}}$ in a flat $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter Universe. This is the first major update of the compact-source angular size test in the past quarter of a century, using a dataset an order of magnitude larger than in previous studies. MCMC analysis on real data and on multiple mock catalogues to evaluate parameter constraints in the presence of observational scatter. In addition, we conducted a test with 100 randomized catalogues created by shuffling redshifts while preserving other observables. We also explored how astrophysical parameters depend on fixed cosmological models with different $Ω_{\mathrm{m}}$ values. The randomization test showed that the posterior distributions from randomized data do not overlap with those from real observations, confirming that the measured angular size--redshift relation is physically meaningful. The astrophysical model parameter that describes the redshift dependence of the source angular size exhibits degeneracy with $Ω_{\mathrm{m}}$. Simulated mock catalogues indicate that the method is able to constrain $Ω_{\mathrm{m}}$ if the data scatter is below $\sim20\%$. Scaling estimates suggest that high-quality data of samples of several thousands to $\sim 100\,000$ sources, a standardisation calibration approach, and/or refining sample selection criteria are needed to fully exploit the potential of the angular size--redshift test with this type of objects (abridged).

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Revisiting 3C 279 jet morphology with space VLBI at 26 microarcsecond resolution

We present observations of the blazar 3C 279 at 22 GHz using the space VLBI mission RadioAstron on 2018 January 15. Images in both total intensity and fractional polarization are reconstructed using RML method implemented in the eht-imaging library. The electric vector position angles are found to be mostly aligned with the general jet direction, suggesting a predominantly toroidal magnetic field, in agreement with the presence of a helical magnetic field. Ground-space fringes were detected up to a projected baseline length of $\sim 8$G$λ$, achieving the angular resolution of around 26$μ$as. The fine-scale structure of the relativistic jet is found in our study extending to a projected distance of $\sim 180$ parsec from the radio core. However, the filamentary structure reported by previous RadioAstron observations of 2014 is not detected in our current study. We discuss potential causes for this phenomenon, together with a comparison using public 43 GHz data from the BEAM-ME program, showing a significant drop in the jet's total intensity. The optically thick core is observed with a brightness temperature of $ 1.6 \times 10^{12}$ K, consistent with equipartition between the energy densities of the relativistic particles and the magnetic field. This yields an estimated magnetic field strength of 0.2 G.

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Milliarcsecond astrometric oscillations in active galactic nuclei as a precursor of multi-messenger gravitational wave events

The existence of supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) is predicted by various cosmological and evolutionary scenarios for active galactic nuclei. These objects are considered as contributors into the gravitational wave (GW) background and emitters of discrete GW bursts. Yet, SMBHBs remain a rather elusive class of extragalactic objects. Previously we have identified the quasar J2102+6015 as potential SMBHB system based on its oscillating astrometric pattern. We analysed the available VLBI astrometry data and identified another case of astrometric oscillations in the source J0204+1514. We assume these oscillations as manifestations of orbital motion in a binary systems. We estimated parameters of the suspected SMBHB in this source and applied basic theoretical models for projecting its evolution toward coalescence. We also develop a toy model of SMBHB consistent with the discovered astrometric oscillations and give quantitative predictions of GW emission of such the source using the case of J0204+1514 as an example. As an ad hoc result, we also provide a re-assessed estimate of the redshift of J2102+6015, z=1.42. A toy model of the object containing SMBHB with parameters consistent with the observed astrometric oscillations of the source J0204+1514 enabled us to consider GW emission as the cause of the system's orbital evolution. Astrometric VLBI monitoring has an appreciable potential for future detections of SMBHBs as multi-messenger targets for both electromagnetic (in radio domain) and gravitational wave astronomy. To outline the contours of a future physical model connecting SMBHB with detectable GW manifestations, we apply the toy model to the source J0204+1514. We also provide justification for aiming future space-borne VLBI missions toward direct imaging of SMBHBs as a synergistic contribution into future multi-messenger studies involving prospective GW facilities.

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Lunar Orbital VLBI Experiment: motivation, scientific purposes and status

The Lunar Orbital VLBI Experiment (LOVEX) is a scientific component of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Project (CLEP) Chang'E-7. The spaceborne component of LOVEX is implemented onboard the relay satellite QueQiao-2, which was launched on 2024 March 20, and later placed into an elliptical selenocentric orbit. The LOVEX-specific payload consists of an X-band cryogenic receiver, a hydrogen maser frequency standard, and VLBI data formatting and acquisition electronics. Several components of the QueQiao-2 nominal onboard instrumentation, such as the 4.2-meter antenna, the data storage device, and the downlink communication system, contribute to the overall spaceborne VLBI instrumentation. This allows us to form a space radio telescope capable of co-observing with Earth-based radio telescopes in VLBI mode. In this space VLBI system, the length of the baseline extends up to approximately 380,000 km. This paper presents the LOVEX scientific objectives, architecture, instrumentation, pre-launch tests, in-flight verification and calibration, and the first in-flight detections of interferometric response (''fringes'') achieved through observations of the quasar AO 0235+164 and the Chang'E-6 orbital module, positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2. These initial results demonstrate the successful performance of LOVEX, verifying its capability for both astronomical and spacecraft tracking observations at ultra-long VLBI baselines.

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Unveiling the Complex Jet Dynamics in the Blazar 2021+317 through Multi-Epoch VLBI Observations

We present an investigation of the compact structure of the AGN 2021+317 based on multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations at 15, 22, and 43 GHz in the period from 2013 through 2024. The VLBI images show a core-jet structure extended to the south, with two stationary components in the northern region, one of which likely to be the core of the source. We also detected two new moving jet components (S4 and S5) in the observations of 2021. Based on these observational findings, we analyzed two distinctive jet models, involving one or another stationary component mentioned above as the jet core. One model assumes a moderate bulk motion velocity, a wider viewing angle, and a lower Doppler factor, with the magnetic field energy density significantly dominating over non-thermal particle energy density. The other model involves a higher bulk motion velocity, a narrower viewing angle, and a higher Doppler factor, with an even greater dominance of magnetic field energy in the core. The position angle of the jet ridge line rotates counter-clockwise over the observed period. The apparent kinematics of the jet components is more consistent with a model of the precessing jet, which has recently completed the first half of the precession cycle. Our results provide constraints on the dynamic evolution of the jet and its interaction with the surrounding medium.

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Toward Optimisation of a Sub-Terahertz Spaceborne VLBI Mission

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) provides the finest angular resolution of all astronomical observation techniques. However, observations with Earth-based instruments are approaching fundamental limits on angular resolution. These can only be overcome by placing at least one interferometric element in space. In this paper, several concepts of spaceborne VLBI systems are discussed, including TeraHertz Exploration and Zooming-in for Astrophysics (THEZA) and the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX). Spaceborne VLBI telescopes have some of the most demanding requirements of any space science mission. The VLBI system as a whole includes globally distributed elements, each with their own functional constraints, limiting when observations can be performed. This necessitates optimisation of the system parameters in order to maximise the scientific return of the mission. Presented is an investigation into how the impact of the functional constraints of a spaceborne VLBI telescope affect the overall system performance. A preliminary analysis of how these constraints can be minimised through optimisation of the spacecraft configuration and operation is also provided. A space-based VLBI simulation tool (spacevlbi) has been developed to model such missions and its capabilities are demonstrated throughout the paper. It is imperative that the functional constraints are considered early in the design of the future space-based VLBI systems in order to generate feasible mission concepts and to identify the key technology developments required to mitigate these limitations.

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Planetary radio interferometry and Doppler experiment as an operational component of the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission

We present an overview of the operations and engineering interface for Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) radio astronomy observations as a scientific component of the ESA s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, as well as other prospective planetary and space science missions. The article discusses advanced scheduling and planning methods that make it possible to create observing schedules for observations of specific spacecraft in concurrence with observations of natural radio sources. In order to put this into practice and find suitable natural background calibrator sources for PRIDE of JUICE mission, we developed planning and scheduling software. The conventional scheduling software for natural celestial radio sources is not set up to include spacecraft as observation targets in the necessary control files. Therefore, difficulties already arise during observation planning. We report on the development of new and the adaptation of existing routines used in astrophysical and geodetic VLBI for satellite scheduling and planning. The analysis of the PRIDE science observations led to improved observational planning, and the mission s scheduling methodologies were studied using a systems engineering approach. In addition, we highlighted the new procedures, like finding charts for selecting calibrator radio sources over a range of frequency bands and the outcomes of those strategies for science operation planning. A simulation of the flyby of Venus during the cruise phase of the JUICE spacecraft, based on the Tudat software, is also presented, resulting in a promising opportunity to test PRIDE techniques and evaluate the improvements that PRIDE observables can make to natural bodies ephemerides.

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A gamma-ray flare from TXS 1508+572: characterizing the jet of a $z=4.31$ blazar in the early Universe

Blazars can be detected from very large distances due to their high luminosity. However, the detection of $γ$-ray emission of blazars beyond $z=3$ has only been confirmed for a small number of sources. Such observations probe the growth of supermassive black holes close to the peak of star formation in the history of galaxy evolution. As a result from a continuous monitoring of a sample of 80 $z>3$ blazars with Fermi-LAT, we present the first detection of a $γ$-ray flare from the $z=4.31$ blazar TXS 1508+572. This source showed high $γ$-ray activity from February to August 2022, reaching a peak luminosity comparable to the most luminous flares ever detected with Fermi -LAT. We conducted a multiwavelength observing campaign involving XMM-Newton, Swift, the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope and the Very Long Baseline Array. In addition, we make use of the monitoring programs by the Zwicky Transient Facility and NEOWISE at optical and infrared wavelengths, respectively. We find that the source is particularly variable in the infrared band on daily time scales. The spectral energy distribution collected during our campaign is well described by a one-zone leptonic model, with the $γ$-ray flare originating from an increase of external Compton emission as a result of a fresh injection of accelerated electrons.

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The Black Hole Explorer: Motivation and Vision

We present the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX), a mission that will produce the sharpest images in the history of astronomy by extending submillimeter Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to space. BHEX will discover and measure the bright and narrow "photon ring" that is predicted to exist in images of black holes, produced from light that has orbited the black hole before escaping. This discovery will expose universal features of a black hole's spacetime that are distinct from the complex astrophysics of the emitting plasma, allowing the first direct measurements of a supermassive black hole's spin. In addition to studying the properties of the nearby supermassive black holes M87* and Sgr A*, BHEX will measure the properties of dozens of additional supermassive black holes, providing crucial insights into the processes that drive their creation and growth. BHEX will also connect these supermassive black holes to their relativistic jets, elucidating the power source for the brightest and most efficient engines in the universe. BHEX will address fundamental open questions in the physics and astrophysics of black holes that cannot be answered without submillimeter space VLBI. The mission is enabled by recent technological breakthroughs, including the development of ultra-high-speed downlink using laser communications, and it leverages billions of dollars of existing ground infrastructure. We present the motivation for BHEX, its science goals and associated requirements, and the pathway to launch within the next decade.

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Contribution of PRIDE VLBI products to the joint JUICE-Europa Clipper moons' ephemerides solution

In the coming decade, JUICE and Europa Clipper radio-science will yield the most accurate estimation to date of the Galilean moons' physical parameters and ephemerides. JUICE's PRIDE (Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment) will help achieve such a solution by providing VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) observations of the spacecraft's lateral position, complementing nominal radio-science measurements. We quantify how PRIDE VLBI can contribute to the moons' ephemerides determination, in terms of attainable solution improvement and validation opportunities. To this end, we simulated both single- and dual-spacecraft VLBI, exploiting the potential simultaneous tracking of JUICE and Europa Clipper. We considered various tracking and data quality scenarios, and compared the formal uncertainties obtained with and without VLBI. This was performed for both global and local (i.e., per-flyby) estimations of the moons' states, as achieving a global solution first requires proceeding arc-per-arc. We showed that both single- and dual-spacecraft VLBI only bring limited improvement to the global state estimation, but significantly contribute to the moons' normal points (i.e., local states at flyby times), most notably in the out-of-plane direction. Additionally, we designed a validation plan exploiting PRIDE VLBI to progressively validate the classical radio-science solution. By improving the local state estimations and offering various validation opportunities, PRIDE will be invaluable in overcoming possible dynamical modelling challenges. It can therefore play a key role in reconstructing a global solution for the Galilean moons' dynamics with the uncertainty levels promised by JUICE-Europa Clipper analyses. This, in turn, is critical to the accurate characterisation of tidal dissipation in the Jovian system, holding the key to the long-term evolution of the Galilean moons.

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Unveiling the Bent Jet Structure and Polarization of OJ 287 at 1.7 GHz with Space VLBI

We present total intensity and linear polarization images of OJ287 at 1.68GHz, obtained through space-based VLBI observations with RadioAstron on April 16, 2016. The observations were conducted using a ground array consisting of the VLBA and the EVN. Ground-space fringes were detected with a maximum projected baseline length of 5.6 Earth's diameter, resulting in an angular resolution of 530 uas. With this unprecedented resolution at such a low frequency, the progressively bending jet structure of OJ287 has been resolved up to 10 pc of the projected distance from the radio core. In comparison with close-in-time VLBI observations at 15, 43, 86 GHz from MOJAVE and VLBA-BU-BLAZAR monitoring projects, we obtain the spectral index map showing the opaque core and optically thin jet components. The optically thick core has a brightness temperature of 10$^{13}$ K, and is further resolved into two sub-components at higher frequencies labeled C1 and C2. These sub-components exhibit a transition from optically thick to thin, with a SSA turnover frequency estimated to be 33 and 11.5 GHz, and a turnover flux density 4 and 0.7 Jy, respectively. Assuming a Doppler boosting factor of 10, the SSA values provide the estimate of the magnetic field strengths from SSA of 3.4 G for C1 and 1.0 G for C2. The magnetic field strengths assuming equipartition arguments are also estimated as 2.6 G and 1.6 G, respectively. The integrated degree of linear polarization is found to be approximately 2.5 %, with the electric vector position angle being well aligned with the local jet direction at the core region. This alignment suggests a predominant toroidal magnetic field, which is in agreement with the jet formation model that requires a helical magnetic field anchored to either the black hole ergosphere or the accretion disk. Further downstream, the jet seems to be predominantly threaded by a poloidal magnetic field.

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On the Possibility of Detecting a Global Signal in the Line of the Hyperfine Structure of Hydrogen from the Dark Ages

We analyze the possibilities of detecting a signal in the hydrogen 21~cm line, which was formed in the early Universe during the the Dark Ages cosmological epoch, using the Ukrainian radio telescopes UTR-2 and GURT of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. As a result of cosmological expansion, this line is shifted to the decameter range of wavelengths ($λ_{obs}\approx18$ m, $ν_{obs}\approx16$ MHz) and is in the band of operational frequencies of these telescopes. The brightness temperature of the predicted sky-averaged global signal ranges from $\sim-0.08$ to $\sim0.02$ K, depending on the cosmological model. Such a faint signal is a challenge even for the world's largest radio telescope in the decameter wavelength range, UTR-2, since the signal level of the foreground synchrotron radiation of the Galaxy at these wavelengths is 20000--40000~K. The paper highlights the peculiarities of spectroscopy at the decameter waves, interfering factors of natural and instrumental origin and the ways of eliminating them in order to reliably detect the signal in the 21~cm line, which can become an important source of information both about the environment in which the first stars and galaxies were born, and about the nature of dark matter particles and the magnitude of primordial magnetic fields. It was concluded that the detection of such a signal using the most sensitive radio telescopes at the decameter wavelength range is possible (with the signal integration over the frequency band of 25~MHz), the detection time will be $\sim50$~days) and can be implemented in the coming years of peace in Ukraine.

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Proper motion of the radio jets in two blazars at redshift above 3

There is still a limited number of high-redshift ($z>3$) active galactic nuclei (AGN) whose jet kinematics have been studied with very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). Without a dedicated proper motion survey, regularly conducted astrometric VLBI observations of bright radio-emitting AGN with sensitive arrays can be utilized to follow changes in the jets, by means of high-resolution imaging and brightness distribution modeling. Here we present a first-time VLBI jet kinematic study of NVSS~J080518$+$614423 ($z = 3.033$) and NVSS~J165844$-$073918 ($z = 3.742$), two flat-spectrum radio quasars that display milliarcsecond-scale jet morphology. Archival astrometric observations carried out mainly with the Very Long Baseline Array, supplemented by recent data taken with the European VLBI Network, allowed us to monitor changes in their radio structure in the $7.6-8.6$~GHz frequency band, covering almost two decades. By identifying individual jet components at each epoch, we were able to determine the apparent proper motion for multiple features in both sources. Apparent superluminal motions range between $(1-14)\,c$, and are found to be consistent with studies of other high-redshift AGN targets. Using the physical parameters derived from the brightness distribution modeling, we estimate the Doppler-boosting factors ($δ\approx 11.2$ and $δ\approx 2.7$), the Lorentz factors ($Γ\approx 7.4$ and $Γ\approx 36.6$) and the jet viewing angles ($θ\approx 4\fdg4$ and $θ\approx 8\fdg0$), for NVSS~J080518$+$614423 and NVSS~J165844$-$073918, respectively. The data revealed a stationary jet component with negligible apparent proper motion in NVSS~J165844$-$073918.

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Fundamental Physics Opportunities with the Next-Generation Event Horizon Telescope

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration recently published the first images of the supermassive black holes in the cores of the Messier 87 and Milky Way galaxies. These observations have provided a new means to study supermassive black holes and probe physical processes occurring in the strong-field regime. We review the prospects of future observations and theoretical studies of supermassive black hole systems with the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT), which will greatly enhance the capabilities of the existing EHT array. These enhancements will open up several previously inaccessible avenues of investigation, thereby providing important new insights into the properties of supermassive black holes and their environments. This review describes the current state of knowledge for five key science cases, summarising the unique challenges and opportunities for fundamental physics investigations that the ngEHT will enable.

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Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) of the JUICE mission

Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) is a multi-purpose experimental technique aimed at enhancing the science return of planetary missions. The technique exploits the science payload and spacecraft service systems without requiring a dedicated onboard instrumentation or imposing on the existing instrumentation any special for PRIDE requirements. PRIDE is based on the near-field phase-referencing Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and evaluation of the Doppler shift of the radio signal transmitted by spacecraft by observing it with multiple Earth-based radio telescopes. The methodology of PRIDE has been developed initially at the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC (JIVE) for tracking the ESA's Huygens Probe during its descent in the atmosphere of Titan in 2005. From that point on, the technique has been demonstrated for various planetary and other space science missions. The estimates of lateral position of the target spacecraft are done using the phase-referencing VLBI technique. Together with radial Doppler estimates, these observables can be used for a variety of applications, including improving the knowledge of the spacecraft state vector. The PRIDE measurements can be applied to a broad scope of research fields including studies of atmospheres through the use of radio occultations, the improvement of planetary and satellite ephemerides, as well as gravity field parameters and other geodetic properties of interest, and estimations of interplanetary plasma properties. This paper presents the implementation of PRIDE as a component of the ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission.

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Filamentary structures as the origin of blazar jet radio variability

Supermassive black holes at the centre of active galactic nuclei power some of the most luminous objects in the Universe. Typically, very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) observations of blazars have revealed only funnel-like morphologies with little information of the ejected plasma internal structure, or lacked the sufficient dynamic range to reconstruct the extended jet emission. Here we show microarcsecond-scale angular resolution images of the blazar 3C 279 obtained at 22 GHz with the space VLBI mission RadioAstron, which allowed us to resolve the jet transversely and reveal several filaments produced by plasma instabilities in a kinetically dominated flow. Our high angular resolution and dynamic range image suggests that emission features traveling down the jet may manifest as a result of differential Doppler-boosting within the filaments, as opposed to the standard shock-in-jet model invoked to explain blazar jet radio variability. Moreover, we infer that the filaments in 3C 279 are possibly threaded by a helical magnetic field rotating clockwise, as seen in the direction of the flow motion, with an intrinsic helix pitch angle of ~45 degrees in a jet with a Lorentz factor of ~13 at the time of observation.

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Jupiter Science Enabled by ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer

ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will provide a detailed investigation of the Jovian system in the 2030s, combining a suite of state-of-the-art instruments with an orbital tour tailored to maximise observing opportunities. We review the Jupiter science enabled by the JUICE mission, building on the legacy of discoveries from the Galileo, Cassini, and Juno missions, alongside ground- and space-based observatories. We focus on remote sensing of the climate, meteorology, and chemistry of the atmosphere and auroras from the cloud-forming weather layer, through the upper troposphere, into the stratosphere and ionosphere. The Jupiter orbital tour provides a wealth of opportunities for atmospheric and auroral science: global perspectives with its near-equatorial and inclined phases, sampling all phase angles from dayside to nightside, and investigating phenomena evolving on timescales from minutes to months. The remote sensing payload spans far-UV spectroscopy (50-210 nm), visible imaging (340-1080 nm), visible/near-infrared spectroscopy (0.49-5.56 $μ$m), and sub-millimetre sounding (near 530-625\,GHz and 1067-1275\,GHz). This is coupled to radio, stellar, and solar occultation opportunities to explore the atmosphere at high vertical resolution; and radio and plasma wave measurements of electric discharges in the Jovian atmosphere and auroras. Cross-disciplinary scientific investigations enable JUICE to explore coupling processes in giant planet atmospheres, to show how the atmosphere is connected to (i) the deep circulation and composition of the hydrogen-dominated interior; and (ii) to the currents and charged particle environments of the external magnetosphere. JUICE will provide a comprehensive characterisation of the atmosphere and auroras of this archetypal giant planet.

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