Benzene and haze formation in the polar atmosphere of Jupiter

Abstract

Jupiter has a large magnetosphere that episodically precipitates large amounts of energy into the polar atmosphere, giving rise to intense auroras [Clarke et al., 1996; Grodent et al., 2000]. An important consequence of this energy influx is the production of a dark haze [Pryor and Hord, 1991], the formation mechanism of which was hitherto poorly known. Recent observations of benzene on Jupiter [Bézard et al., 2001; Flasar, 2002] provide new clues for a chemical and aerosol model for the formation of heavy hydrocarbon aerosols. The chemistry begins with the destruction of methane by energetic particles, followed by neutral and ion reactions, ultimately leading to the formation of benzene and other complex hydrocarbons, including multi-ring compounds which subsequently condense. High temperatures and effective eddy mixing engendered by the auroras enhance the formation of heavy hydrocarbons and aerosols. This mechanism may be relevant in the atmospheres of Saturn and extrasolar giant planets, and is an example of how a planetary magnetosphere may influence the chemical composition and climate forcing of the upper atmosphere.