JUPITER IN THE 890 NM METHANE ABSORPTIONBAND: A RESEARCH REVIEW

Abstract

Jupiter’s atmosphere is a complex dynamic system with a multilayered cloud structure and intense circulation processes. Near-infrared observations, particularly in the methane absorption band around 890 nm, provide a powerful diagnostic tool for the upper atmosphere. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of observational data in the 890 nm band, including a comparison with brightness temperatures in the far-infrared and microwave ranges. Observations show that the central depth of the methane absorption band closely correlates with stratospheric temperatures at pressure levels of 3.5–8.6 mbar. The largest deviations are observed in the Great Red Spot (GRS) region, reflecting its unique vertical and dynamic structure. High latitudes and equatorial anticyclonic formations, as well as variations in aerosol optical depth, contribute to the observed photometric contrasts. The results demonstrate that the 890 nm methane absorption band is a sensitive tool for studying stratospheric haze and upper tropospheric dynamics, providing important constraints for atmospheric modeling and interpretation of high-resolution ground-based and space-based observations.