Mid-Infrared Observations of the Giant Planets

The mid-infrared spectral region provides a unique window into the atmospheric temperature, chemistry, and dynamics of the giant planets. From more than a century of mid-infrared remote sensing, progressively clearer pictures of the composition and thermal structure of these atmospheres have emerged, along with a greater insight into the processes that shape them. Our knowledge of Jupiter and Saturn has benefitted from their proximity and relatively warm temperatures, while the details of colder and more distant Uranus and Neptune are limited as these planets remain challenging targets. As the timeline of observations continues to grow, an understanding of the temporal and seasonal variability of the giant planets is beginning to develop with promising new observations on the horizon.

Automated summary

The mid-infrared spectral region allows us to study the atmospheric temperature, chemistry, and dynamics of giant planets. Over a century of mid-infrared remote sensing has provided clearer pictures of the composition and thermal structure of these atmospheres, as well as a better understanding of the processes that shape them. While our knowledge of Jupiter and Saturn benefits from their proximity and warmer temperatures, the details of Uranus and Neptune, which are colder and more distant, remain limited. However, with new observations on the horizon, we are beginning to develop an understanding of the temporal and seasonal variability of the giant planets.