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Science 19 October 1990:
Vol. 250. no. 4979, pp. 415 - 418
DOI: 10.1126/science.11538073
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Articles

Science, Vol 250, Issue 4979, 415-418
Copyright © 1990 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Color and chemistry on Triton

WR Thompson and C Sagan

Laboratory for Planetary Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

The surface of Triton is very bright but shows subtle yellow to peach hues which probably arise from the production of colored organic compounds from CH4 + N2 and other simple species. In order to investigate possible relationships between chemical processes and the observed surface distribution of chromophores, we classify the surface units according to color/albedo properties, estimate the rates of production of organic chromophores by the action of ultraviolet light and high-energy charged particles, and compare rates, spectral properties, and expected seasonal redistribution processes to suggest possible origins of the colors seen on Triton's surface.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Solar control of the upper atmosphere of Triton.
Lyons JR, Y. Yung, and M Allen (1992)
Science 256, 204-206
   Abstract »    PDF »
The Effect of Surface Roughness on Triton's Volatile Distribution.
R. V. Yelle and R. V. YELLE (1992)
Science 255, 1553-1555
   Abstract »    PDF »
Energy Sources for Triton's Geyser-Like Plumes.
R. H. Brown, R. H. Brown, R. L. Kirk, T. V. Johnson, and L. A. Soderblom (1990)
Science 250, 431-435
   Abstract »    PDF »


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