Gemini-TEXES mid-infrared spectral observations of Jupiter's auroral regions: comparison with ultraviolet and near-infrared observations

Jupiter exhibits auroral emission over a large range of wavelengths. Auroral emission at X-ray, ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths demonstrate the precipitation of ion and electrons in Jupiter’s upper atmosphere, at altitudes exceeding 350 km above the 1-bar level. Enhanced mid-infrared emission of stratospheric CH4, C2H2, C2H4 and further hydrocarbons is also observed coincident with Jupiter’s auroral regions. On March 17-19th 2017, we obtained spectral measurements of H2 S(1), CH4, C2H2, C2H4 and C2H6 emission of Jupiter’s high latitudes using TEXES on Gemini-North. This rare opportunity combines both the superior spectral resolving power of TEXES (R ≤ 85000) and the high-spatial diffraction-limited resolution (~2° latitude-longitude footprint at 70°N) provided by Gemini-North’s 8-metre primary aperture. The high spatial resolution has for the first time revealed transient spatial structure in the emission of CH4, C2H2 and C2H4 in Jupiter’s northern auroral region. From March 17th to 19th 2017, during a solar wind compression, a duskside brightening of these species was observed in the northern auroral region. We will present a retrieval analysis of these observations to demonstrate the altitudes in the atmosphere and the magnitude over which temperatures and hydrocarbon abundances were modified during this event. We will also compare the morphology of the mid-infrared emission with near-simultaneous (i) HST-STIS images of the ultraviolet auroral emission and (ii) IRTF-SpeX observations of the 3.42-μ m H3+ emission.