The Helium Mass Fraction in Jupiter's Atmosphere

On 7 December 1995, the NASA Galileo probe provided in situ measurements of the helium abundance in the atmosphere of Jupiter. A Jamin interferometer measured the refractive index of the jovian atmosphere in the pressure region from 2 to 14 bars. These measurements indicate that the atmospheric heli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1996-05, Vol.272 (5263), p.849-851
Main Authors: von Zahn, U., Hunten, D. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomical and space-research instrumentation
Astronomy
Atmosphere
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Extraterrestrial Environment
Fractions
Fringe
Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations
Galileo Probes Jupiter's Atmosphere
Gas pressure
Gas samples
Gases
Helium
Helium - analysis
Hydrogen - analysis
Interferometry
Jovian atmosphere
Jupiter
Jupiter (Planet)
Jupiter atmosphere
Jupiter probes
Light refraction
Lunar, planetary, and deep-space probes
Neutral atmospheres
Observations
Photodiodes
Planetary atmospheres
Planetary, asteroid, and satellite characteristics and properties
Planets
Planets, their satellites and rings. Asteroids
Refractometry
Scientific Concepts
Solar system
Space life sciences
Spacecraft
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Description
Summary:On 7 December 1995, the NASA Galileo probe provided in situ measurements of the helium abundance in the atmosphere of Jupiter. A Jamin interferometer measured the refractive index of the jovian atmosphere in the pressure region from 2 to 14 bars. These measurements indicate that the atmospheric helium mole fraction is 0.136 ± 0.004. The corresponding helium mass fraction is slightly below the presolar value, which suggests that separation of helium from hydrogen in Jupiter's interior is only in its early stages.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.272.5263.849