Photochemistry on Pluto - I. Hydrocarbons and aerosols.

ABSTRACT: In light of the recent New Horizons flyby measurements, we present a coupled ion-neutral-photochemistry model developed for simulating the atmosphere of Pluto. Our model results closely match the observed density profiles of CH₄, N₂ and the C₂ hydrocarbons in the altitude range where available New Horizons measurements are most accurate (above ~ 100-200 km). We found a high eddy coefficient of 10⁶ cm² s^-1 from the surface to an altitude of 150 km, and 3 × 10⁶ cm² s^-1 above 150 km for Pluto's atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that C₂ hydrocarbons must stick to and be removed by aerosol particles in order to reproduce the C2 profiles observed by New Horizons. I

SUBMITTER: Luspay-Kuti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6662216 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature