Low- and high-order gravitational harmonics of rigidly rotating Jupiter

Abstract

The Juno Orbiter has provided improved estimates of the even gravitational harmonics J2 to J8 of Jupiter. To compute higher-order moments, new methods such as the Concentric Maclaurin Spheroids (CMS) method have been developed which surpass the so far commonly used Theory of Figures (ToF) method in accuracy. This progress rises the question whether ToF can still provide a useful service for deriving the internal structure of giant planets in the Solar system. In this paper, I apply both the ToF and the CMS method to compare results for polytropic Jupiter and for the physical equation of state H/He-REOS.3 based models. An accuracy in the computed values of J2 and J4 of 0.1% is found to be sufficient in order to obtain the core mass safely within 0.5 Mearth numerical accuracy and the atmospheric metallicity within about 0.0004. ToF to 4th order provides that accuracy, while ToF to 3rd order does not for J4. Furthermore, I find that the assumption of rigid rotation yields J6 and J8 values in agreement with the current Juno estimates, and that higher order terms (J10 to J18) deviate by about 10% from predictions by polytropic models. This work suggests that ToF4 can still be applied to infer the deep internal structure, and that the zonal winds on Jupiter reach less deep than 0.9 RJup.

8 pages, accepted to A&A

References in corpus (7)

• Comparing Jupiter interior structure models to Juno gravity measurements and the role of a dilute core
• A Massive Core in Jupiter Predicted From First-Principles Simulations
• Ab initio equations of state for hydrogen (H-REOS.3) and helium (He-REOS.3) and their implications for the interior of Brown Dwarfs
• Planet formation with envelope enrichment: new insights on planetary diversity
• Jupiter internal structure: the effect of different equations of state
• An Exploration of Double Diffusive Convection in Jupiter as a Result of Hydrogen-Helium Phase Separation
• Bayesian Evolution Models for Jupiter with Helium Rain and Double-diffusive Convection

Cited by in corpus (16)

• Saturn's deep atmospheric flows revealed by the Cassini Grand Finale gravity measurements
• Jupiter's inhomogeneous envelope
• Revelations on Jupiter's Formation, Evolution and Interior: Challenges from Juno Results
• Empirical Structure Models of Uranus and Neptune
• Relation of Gravity, Winds, and the Moment of Inertia of Jupiter and Saturn
• A complete study of the precision of the concentric MacLaurin spheroid method to calculate Jupiter's gravitational moments
• The interior of Uranus: Thermal profile, bulk composition and the distribution of rock, water and hydrogen and helium
• Zonal winds of Uranus and Neptune: Gravitational harmonics, dynamic self-gravity, shape, and rotation
• Connecting gravity field, moment of inertia, and core properties in Jupiter through empirical structure models
• NeuralCMS: A deep learning approach to study Jupiter's interior
• Tesseral harmonics of Jupiter from static tidal response
• Setting the Stage for Uranian Seismology from Rings and Radial Velocities
• No dilute core produced in simulations of giant impacts on to Jupiter
• Isolating the gravitational influence of Uranus's winds requires close passages inward of the rings
• Nested spheroidal figures of equilibrium III. Connection with the gravitational moments $J_{2n}$
• Lie Group Theory of Multipole Moments and Shape of Stationary Rotating Fluid Bodies