Spatial distribution of Jovian clouds, hazes and colors from Cassini ISS multi-spectral images

TL;DR

This study uses Cassini ISS multi-spectral images to map Jupiter's clouds, hazes, and colors, revealing their spatial distribution and relationships through advanced analysis techniques.

Contribution

It presents high-resolution multi-wavelength maps of Jupiter and applies PCA and chromaticity analysis to understand cloud and haze distributions.

Findings

Six principal components explain the spectral data.

Identified links between cloud opacity, hazes, and chromophores.

Quantified Jupiter's true colors as perceived by humans.

Abstract

The Cassini spacecraft made a gravity assist flyby of Jupiter in December 2000. The Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) acquired images of the planet that covered the visual range with filters sensitive to the distribution of clouds and hazes, their altitudes and color. We use a selection of these images to build high-resolution cylindrical maps of the planet in 9 wavelengths. We explore the spatial distribution of the planet reflectivity examining the distribution of color and altitudes of hazes as well as their relation. A variety of analyses is presented: a) Principal Component Analysis (PCA); b) color-altitude indices; and c) chromaticity diagrams (for a quantitative characterization of Jupiter "true" colors as they would be perceived by a human observer). PCA of the full dataset indicates that six components are required to explain the data. These components are likely related to the distribution of cloud opacity at the main cloud, the distribution of two types of hazes, two chromophores or coloring processes and the distribution of convective storms.