9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 1] PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS ST ScI Use Only ID: 9685 Version: 4 Check-in Date: 06-Sep-2002 11:22:43 1.Proposal Title: Multiwavelength Observations of Jupiter's Auroral Hot Spot ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Proposal For 3. Cycle GO 11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Investigators Contact? PI: Ronald Elsner NASA Marshall Space Flight Center CoI: G. Randy Gladstone SWRI N CoI: J. Hunter Waite University of Michigan N CoI: Peter Ford MIT N CoI: Anil Bhardwaj Virkram Sarabhai Space Centre, India N CoI: Tariq Majeed University of Michigan N CoI: Robert Howell University of Wyoming N CoI: Denis Grodent Universite de Liege, Belgium N ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. Abstract Joint Chandra HRC-I and HST STIS observations in Dec 2000 found that the northern auroral x-ray emission comes from a localized hot spot located poleward of the main auroral oval, magnetically connected to regions in the outer magnetosphere beyond 30 Jupiter radii. In addition, the x-ray hot spot pulsates with a quasi-period of about 45 minutes. The hot spot occurs in a region where both anomalous infrared emissions and bright, transient far-ultraviolet (FUV) flares have been observed. These results are inconsistent with excitation by energetic heavy ions precipitating from the region of the Io plasma torus. Our simultaneous HST STIS and CHANDRA ACIS-S observations of Jupiter seek to understand the source mechanisms and energetics of the jovian x-ray aurora. We will also seek near-simultaneous ground infrared observations with the IRTF. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 2] Observations Description ------------------------ Simultaneous HST STIS and Chandra ACIS-S observations of Jupiter will be conducted sometime near opposition on Feb 2, 2003. The Chandra observations are not yet in the long-term schedule, but the nominal range for our 72 ks observation is between Jan 1 and Mar 1, 2003. Chandra HRC-I observations (also 72 ks) are being moved to be contiguous with the ACIS-S observations. In addition, we are proposing to acquire near-simultaneous ground-based IR observations using the IRTF. Earlier Chandra HRC-I observations discovered that x-ray emission from Jupiter's northern auroral zone comes primarily from a hot spot centered at System III longitude between 160 and 180 degrees and between north magnetic latitude 60 and 70 degrees. (NOTE: The nominal center of the hot spot is at a planetographic latitude of 67.8 degree.) This x-ray spot exhibited an entirely unexpected quasi-periodicity at 45 minutes. The same region is the site of bright, highly transient H2 emissions (known as flares) at FUV wavelengths, enhanced infrared emissions from CH4, C2H2, and C2H6, and a dark spot in the sunlight reflected from Jupiter at mid-UV wavelengths. It seems possible, even likely, that emissions coming from the same spatial region may have a common origin. The location of the x-ray hot spot at latitudes poleward of the main magnetic oval indicates this region must connect magnetically to regions in the jovian magnetosphere well in excess of 30 RJ from the planet, thus upsetting previous understanding of these phenomena. A major goal of these simultaneous observations is to uncover the relationships among the x-ray, FUV, and IR emissions poleward of the main auroral oval, in particular any correlated time variability. We also seek to uncover the origin of the emissions from the x-ray hot spot, the 45 minute quasi-periodicity, and whether the exciting particles originate within Jupiter's magnetosphere or within the solar wind. For our HST observations, we have chosen the STIS instrument. We were awarded 20 hours (72 ks) of Cycle 4 Chandra time, or two Jupiter rotations, and 5 orbits of HST time (spanning about 8 hours if contiguous), or 80 percent of one Jupiter rotation. However, we are most interested in intervals when Jupiter's northern auroral hot spot is facing toward the Earth. We have worked with the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) to move a 72 ks Cycle 3 Chandra HRC-I observation of Jupiter. Hunter Waite, a Co-I on this proposal is PI on the Cycle 3 Chandra observation. We have most recently received email notice of approval from R. Hank Donnelly (CXC). Thus we exect to have 144 ks (4 Jupiter rotations) of consecutive time for observing Jupiter with Chandra. The parameters we choose for our exposures have been successfully used in previous HST STIS observations of Jupiter. In order to reduce the effects of geocoronal emission, we have scheduled exposures with the F25SRF2 filter at the beginning and end of each orbit, ASSUMING that the observations are not begun in the middle of an orbit. The two (2) orbit visit (see below) consists entirely of exposures with the F25SRF2 filter. Since we will be observing near opposition, this contribution to the background should not be a concern toward the middle of an HST orbit. During the three (3) orbit visit (see below), we have included some ACCUM exposures with the clear 25MAMA aperture to sample a broader spectral range. It is for this reason that we have used SEQ NON-INT special requirement in each orbit. We use TIME-TAG mode (with the F25SRF2 filter) to look for short timescale variability in the hot spot FUV emission when the viewing geometry is most favorable. Our placement of these TIME-TAG exposures reflects our desire that they take place within the CML range 140-200 degree. Real Time Justification ----------------------- The most important constraint is that the HST observations be simultaneous with the Chandra observations. In addition to individual observatory constraints 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 3] such as solar and lunar avoidance zones, SAA (for HST), and the radiation belts (for Chandra), there are several other constraints that affect scheduling the observations. For Jupiter, opposition (OLG = 0) occurs on Feb 2, 2003, and we desire the observations to occur within one month either side of this date (OLG = 0.0 +/- 2.5 degrees). We also wish to observe the foot point of the Io flux tube and ask that Io's OLG lie between 110 and 250 degrees. The Chandra Cycle 4 time awarded is 20 hours (72 ks), equaling about two (2) Jupiter rotations. However, as discussed above, we exect to have 40 hours (144 ks), equalling about four (4) Jupiter rotations, of Cycle 3 and Cycle 4 Chandra time taken continuously except for instrument changeouts and repointings. Our HST allocation is for five (5) orbits. It is important for our study that the HST observations of the x-ray hot spot are centered as nearly as possible on the time when the hot spot most directly faces the Earth. The geometry dictates that the CML range 100-240 deg is most favorable, with the range 140-200 the most desirable. Since we expect the Chandra observations span four Jupiter rotations, there are four opportunities to satisfy this condition. Five contiguous HST orbits span about eight hours, or 80 percent of one Jupiter rotation. While we would accept five contiguous orbits centered on CML = 170 degrees, we believe greater scientific benefit would be achieved by splitting the five orbits into a group of three and a group of two, for each of two rotations observed by Chandra. So we have tentatively broken our HST observations into two (2) visits, one of 3 orbits and one of 2 orbits. For the group of 3 orbits, the values for CML span the range 80-260 degrees (System III longitude). For the group of 2 orbits, the values of CML span the range 110-230 degrees (System III longitude). If fitting in the two specified HST visits is too difficult, communication among the observing team, CXC, and STScI will be necessary. If absolutely necessary we will accept a single 5 orbit visit centered as nearly as possible on CML = 170 degrees (System III longitude). Calibration Justification ------------------------- Additional Comments ------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 4] TARGET LIST Solar System Targets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET NUMBER: 1 | TARGET NAME: JUPITER-NORTH-SPOT-LONGVISIT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET DESCRIPTION: FEATURE X-ray emission region within northern auroral oval ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET POSITION LEVEL 1 | TARGET POSITION LEVEL 2 | STD=JUPITER | TYPE=PGRAPHIC,LONG=170,LAT=67.8 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET POSITION LEVEL 3 | WINDOWS | | OLG OF JUPITER BETWEEN 330 30, OLG OF IO | BETWEEN 110 250, CML OF JUPITER FROM | EARTH BETWEEN 80 260 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DATA | COMMENTS | V = -2.5+/-0.5 | Value for LONG is in System III F-LINE(1400)=3+/-1e-14 | coordinates, and LONG and Lat W-LINE(1400)=420 | specify the position of the x-ray F-CONT(1800)=5+/-5e-14 | emission region in the frame | rotating with Jupiter. CML range | constrained by hot spot position. | OLG range for Jupiter is centered on | opposition and spans about two (2) | months. OLG range for Io permits | observing the foot point of Io flux | tube. | Ephemeris Uncertainty: 36000 KM | Acquisition Uncertainty: 15 " | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 5] TARGET LIST Solar System Targets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET NUMBER: 2 | TARGET NAME: JUPITER-NORTH-SPOT-SHORTVISIT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET DESCRIPTION: FEATURE X-ray emission region within northern auroral oval ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET POSITION LEVEL 1 | TARGET POSITION LEVEL 2 | STD=JUPITER | TYPE=PGRAPHIC,LONG=170,LAT=67.8 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TARGET POSITION LEVEL 3 | WINDOWS | | OLG OF JUPITER BETWEEN 330 30, CML OF | JUPITER FROM EARTH BETWEEN 110 230 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DATA | COMMENTS | V = -2.5+/-0.5 | Value for LONG is in System III F-LINE(1400)=3+/-1e-14 | coordinates, and LONG and LAT W-LINE(1400)=420 | specify the position of the x-ray F-CONT(1800)=5+/-5e-14 | emission region in the frame | rotating with Jupiter. CML range | constrained by hot spot position. | OLG range for Jupiter is centered on | opposition and spans about two (2) | months. OLG range for Io permits | observing the foot of Io flux tube. | Ephemeris Uncertainty: 36000 KM | Acquisition Uncertainty: 15 " | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 6] Visit: 01 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: SCHED 100% BETWEEN 01-Jan-2003 AND 01-Mar-2003 ON HOLD On Hold Comments: HST observations to be simultaneous with CHANDRA/ACIS-S observations, nominally between Jan 1 and Mar 1, 2003. Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 110 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM F25SRF2 MIRROR 4 120 S SEQ 110-130 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 120 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM 25MAMA MIRROR 6 120 S SEQ 110-130 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 130 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S END ORBIT SEQ 110-130 TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM G NON-INT GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 140 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S SEQ 140-160 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM G GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 150 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM 25MAMA MIRROR 7 120 S SEQ 140-160 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 160 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S END ORBIT SEQ 140-160 TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM G NON-INT GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 170 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S SEQ 170-190 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM G GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 180 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM 25MAMA MIRROR 6 120 S SEQ 170-190 NON-INT TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 190 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM F25SRF2 MIRROR 4 120 S END ORBIT SEQ 170-190 TH-SPOT-LON UV-MAM NON-INT GVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 7] Visit: 02 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: SCHED 100% BETWEEN 01-Jan-2003 AND 01-Mar-2003 ON HOLD On Hold Comments: HST observations to be simultaneous with CHANDRA/ACIS-S observations, nominally between Jan 1 and Mar 1, 2003. Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 210 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM F25SRF2 MIRROR 9 120 S SEQ 210-220 NON-INT TH-SPOT-SHO UV-MAM RTVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 220 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S END ORBIT SEQ 210-220 TH-SPOT-SHO UV-MAM G NON-INT RTVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 230 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F TIME-TA F25SRF2 MIRROR BUFFER-TIME=100 1 300 S SEQ 230-240 NON-INT TH-SPOT-SHO UV-MAM G RTVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 240 JUPITER-NOR STIS/F ACCUM F25SRF2 MIRROR 9 120 S END ORBIT SEQ 230-240 TH-SPOT-SHO UV-MAM NON-INT RTVISIT A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9685( 4) - 09/06/02 11:23 - [ 8] Summary Form for Proposal 9685 Item Used in this proposal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Apertures F25SRF2 25MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Configurations STIS/FUV-MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Opmodes ACCUM TIME-TAG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Optional Parameters BUFFER-TIME=100 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Proposal Category GO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Requirements SCHED 100% BETWEEN 01-Jan-2003 AND 01-Mar-2003 ON HOLD SEQ 110-130 NON-INT END ORBIT SEQ 110-130 NON-INT SEQ 140-160 NON-INT END ORBIT SEQ 140-160 NON-INT SEQ 170-190 NON-INT END ORBIT SEQ 170-190 NON-INT SEQ 210-220 NON-INT END ORBIT SEQ 210-220 NON-INT SEQ 230-240 NON-INT END ORBIT SEQ 230-240 NON-INT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spectral Elements MIRROR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target Names JUPITER-NORTH-SPOT-LONGVISIT JUPITER-NORTH-SPOT-SHORTVISIT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------