Title:  Radiometric and Radio Occultation Studies of Jupiter's Aurorae at Microwave Frequencies

Committee: 

Dr. Steffes, Advisor       

Dr. Cohen, Chair

Dr. Durgin

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to determine the composition and structure of Jupiter’s auroral and non-auroral ionosphere using the Juno spacecraft’s microwave radiometer (MWR) and the Juno Gravity Radio Science Subsystem. During Juno’s fifth orbit, the MWR detected intensity reduction from the Jovian aurora on its lowest microwave frequency channel (0.6 GHz). This observation was unexpected since microwave signals propagate through the Earth’s auroral ionosphere with little to no extinction. This work expands upon preliminary observations by characterizing the electron density profile of the auroral regions using microwave radiometry. This work includes retrievals of upper limit electron densities inferred using the MWR observations and single-layer radiative transfer models. It also includes extensive planning for upcoming radio occultations for Juno’s extended mission, which will provide a vertical electron density profile of the northern aurora.