Scientific rationale for Uranus and Neptune in situ explorations
COUSTENIS, A.
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
HARTOGH, P.
Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung = Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research [MPS]
Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung = Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research [MPS]
LELLOUCH, E.
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
BRUGGER, B.
Univers, Transport, Interfaces, Nanostructures, Atmosphère et environnement, Molécules (UMR 6213) [UTINAM]
Univers, Transport, Interfaces, Nanostructures, Atmosphère et environnement, Molécules (UMR 6213) [UTINAM]
CHARNOZ, S.
Astrophysique Interprétation Modélisation [AIM (UMR7158 / UMR_E_9005 / UM_112)]
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris [IPGP]
Astrophysique Interprétation Modélisation [AIM (UMR7158 / UMR_E_9005 / UM_112)]
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris [IPGP]
ENCRENAZ, T.
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
< Réduire
Laboratoire d'études spatiales et d'instrumentation en astrophysique [LESIA (UMR_8109)]
Langue
en
Article de revue
Ce document a été publié dans
Planetary and Space Science. 2018, vol. 155, p. 12-40
Elsevier
Résumé en anglais
The ice giants Uranus and Neptune are the least understood class of planets in our solar system but the most frequently observed type of exoplanets. Presumed to have a small rocky core, a deep interior comprising ~70% heavy ...Lire la suite >
The ice giants Uranus and Neptune are the least understood class of planets in our solar system but the most frequently observed type of exoplanets. Presumed to have a small rocky core, a deep interior comprising ~70% heavy elements surrounded by a more dilute outer envelope of H2 and He, Uranus and Neptune are fundamentally different from the better-explored gas giants Jupiter and Saturn. Because of the lack of dedicated exploration missions, our knowledge of the composition and atmospheric processes of these distant worlds is primarily derived from remote sensing from Earth-based observatories and space telescopes. As a result, Uranus's and Neptune's physical and atmospheric properties remain poorly constrained and their roles in the evolution of the Solar System not well understood. Exploration of an ice giant system is therefore a high-priority science objective as these systems (including the magnetosphere, satellites, rings, atmosphere, and interior) challenge our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. Here we describe the main scientific goals to be addressed by a future in situ exploration of an ice giant. An atmospheric entry probe targeting the 10-bar level, about 5 scale heights beneath the tropopause, would yield insight into two broad themes: i) the formation history of the ice giants and, in a broader extent, that of the Solar System, and ii) the processes at play in planetary atmospheres. The probe would descend under parachute to measure composition, structure, and dynamics, with data returned to Earth using a Carrier Relay Spacecraft as a relay station. In addition, possible mission concepts and partnerships are presented, and a strawman ice-giant probe payload is described. An ice-giant atmospheric probe could represent a significant ESA contribution to a future NASA ice-giant flagship mission.< Réduire
Mots clés en anglais
atmosphere
Neptune
Uranus
Entry probe
Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
evolution
formation
Project ANR
INITIATIVE D'EXCELLENCE AIX MARSEILLE UNIVERSITE
Origine
Importé de halUnités de recherche