Temporal and spatial variations of the absolute reflectivity of Jupiter and Saturn from 0.38 to 1.7 $\mu$m with PlanetCam-UPV/EHU

TL;DR

This study measures the absolute reflectivity and geometric albedo of Jupiter and Saturn across visible and near-infrared wavelengths over four years, revealing temporal variability and limb-darkening behavior using high-resolution observations.

Contribution

It provides extended wavelength and temporal data on planetary reflectivity, including new measurements and analysis of variability, with calibration consistency and improved observational methods.

Findings

Reflectivity values are consistent with previous data.

Detected reflectivity changes of about 5-10% over time.

Provided new data extending in wavelength and time.

Abstract

We provide measurements of the absolute reflectivity of Jupiter and Saturn along their central meridians in filters covering a wide range of visible and near-infrared wavelengths (from 0.38 to 1.7 $\mu$m) that are not often presented in the literature. We also give measurements of the geometric albedo of both planets and discuss the limb-darkening behavior and temporal variability of their reflectivity values for a period of four years (2012-2016). This work is based on observations with the PlanetCam-UPV/EHU instrument at the 1.23 m and 2.2 m telescopes in Calar Alto Observatory (Spain). The instrument simultaneously observes in two channels: visible (VIS; 0.38-1.0 $\mu$m) and short-wave infrared (SWIR; 1.0--1.7 $\mu$m). We obtained high-resolution observations via the lucky-imaging method. We show that our calibration is consistent with previous independent determinations of reflectivity values of these planets and, for future reference, provide new data extended in the wavelength range and in the time. Our results have an uncertainty in absolute calibration of 10--20\%. We show that under the hypothesis of constant geometric albedo, we are able to detect absolute reflectivity changes related to planetary temporal evolution of about 5-10\%.