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Abstract

For many years scientists have been frustrated in their attempts to create thermal evolution models that predict identical ages for the four Jovian planets. These models predict much higher current temperatures for Uranus and Neptune than are observed. In the case of Uranus this is in stark contrast to another problem, the virtually unmeasurable internal heat flow. Recent models explore the possibility of double diffuse or layered convection zones in the interior trapping the heat. However no extensive modeling has been done to test this theory. In addition models explaining the incongruous high stratospheric temperatures are based on pre-Voyager data. We propose new thermal infrared imaging of Uranus using recently available technology along with extensive two-dimensional modeling of the planet's heat flow in an effort to address these questions.



Charles Walter
Wed May 31 11:43:13 MDT 1995