# # Program information file # PROGRAM_ID 2021A041 PROGRAM_TITLE Near-Infrared Characterization of Evolving Atmospheric Processes in Jupiter During Juno Perijoves 33-35. PROGRAM_INV1 Glenn Orton PROGRAM_INV2 Thomas Momary PROGRAM_INV3 Arrate Antunano PROGRAM_INV4 Kevin Baines PROGRAM_INV5 Xi Zhang PROGRAM_SCICAT solar system PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_BEG We propose near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy using SpeX to measure the ongoing evolution of the aerosol vertical distribution in several key features of Jupiter's atmosphere concomitantly with Juno spacecraft measurements. Our goal is to determine or constrain the physical and chemical processes controlling the relevant phenomena, each of which extends and enhances contemporaneous observations by the Juno mission or future observations by providing not only a spatial context but also the temporal context that ties together Juno's measurements that are separated by 53-day intervals. Specific areas we will address are the following. [1] Examine the relationship between cloud color and altitude. [a] Track an apparent correlation between the visible darkening of Jupiter's Equatorial Zone [EZ] and its brightening in the near-infrared that is sensitive to the altitude of upper-tropospheric haze particles. [b] Examine a converse behavior: the giant anticyclone Oval BA recently turned from red to white, and we find that its upper-atmospheric haze may have moved to deeper atmospheric levels. [2] Investigate the processes transforming the North Temperate Belt [NTB] from a white to a dark red color, which has just been initiated with the appearance of 3 discrete and energetic upwellings we are using SpeX to characterize. [3] Measure the processes causing major perturbation of the Great Red Spot [GRS]. We will create a 3D map of clouds in and around the GRS that will discriminate between various dynamical models for this phenomenon. [4] Determine the relationship between the morphology and evolution of auroral-generated hazes and [a] the deeper atmosphere and [b] solar activity. Together, the proposed observations will provide a critical component of a campaign of Earth-based support for Juno [see https://www.missionjuno.swri.edu/planned-observations]. PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_END