Infrared processes in the Jovian auroral zone

Abstract A theoretical model of vibrational excitation and deexcitation processes of CH 4 and H 2 on the Jovian auroral zone is presented. The emission intensities of the μ 3 and μ 4 bands of CH 4 are calculated assuming electrons as bombarding particles, and compared with Voyager 1 IRIS observations. It is shown that the thermal emission of the CH 4 band dominated over the nonthermal emission that is directly or indirectly caused by particle bombardments.