= > in this proposal, more time is being requested for bbezard.nep_2 = we first propose to search for methyl radical (ch3) on neptune using the grating mode of the sws. this observation is a follow-up of the accepted proposal nep_2 in which we originally proposed to search for various hydrocarbons on neptune. the ch3 observations had to be removed to fit within the allocated time. we also propose to extend this search to saturn using the f-p mode of the sws. photochemistry of methane in the atmospheres of the giant planets leads to the formation of various hydrocarbons. methyl radical is supposedly the key pathway to the formation of ethane, the most abundant photochemically-produced molecule. detecting this compound would provide an important test for some chemical schemes proposed in photochemical models and would help determining some poorly constrained atmospheric parameters such as the eddy mixing profile.
Instrument
SWS02 , SWS07
Temporal Coverage
1997-05-01T18:30:18Z/1997-12-14T16:41:11Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the world's first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
