SYMPA : A network dedicated to seismology of giant planets
F.X. Schmider1, J. Gay2, C. Jacob1, and the SYMPA network
1 UMR 6525 Astrophysique, Université de Nice, France
2Département Fresnel, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
Despite the exploration of the solar system by
automatic spacecraft, the internal structure of giant planets
remains poorly known. As for the Sun, measurement of the velocity
field with spatial resolution is achievable, allowing the
detection of acoustic modes of low and intermediate degrees. This
would permit to investigate the physical conditions inside the
giant planets such as the equation of state at high pressure, the
transition between the metallic and molecular phase of the
hydrogen, and to constraint the scenarios of planetary
formation. In order to achieve this scientific objectives, we
propose an observational strategy already used for stellar
seismology, with campaign of several weeks of simultaneous
observations from three suitable sites in order to achieve the
best possible duty cycle. It means to conceive and realise at
least three copies of very simple, reliable, stable and efficient
spectro-imager. We have developed a dedicated instrument. The
concept of the instrument SYMPA is based on the principle of the
Fourier transform spectroscopy. It allows a high resolution with a
very compact design and has also imaging capability. A first
prototype has been tested on the telescope at Calern observatory,
and the observations are being analysed. The first multi-site
campaign on Jupiter will take place at the beginning of 2003.
After replacing the project in the context of giant planet
seismology, we will present the principle of the instrument and
the expected performances, a comparison with the results of the
prototype and the planning of observations. Then we will evoke the
future of the project, in Antarctica and for stellar seismology.
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Last changed: 2002/Apr/26
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