New emission features in the 11-13 micron region and their relationship to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

If the "11.3 microns" emission feature seen in the spectra of many planetary nebulae, H II regions, and reflection nebulae is due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), then additional features should be present between 11.3 and 13.0 microns (885 and 770 cm-1). Moderate-resolution spectra of NGC 7027, HD 44179, IRAS 21282+5050, and BD + 30 degrees 3639 are presented which show that the "11.3 microns" feature actually peaks at 11.22 microns (891 cm-1). The spectra also show evidence of new emission features near 11.9 and 12.7 microns (840 and 787 cm-1). These are consistent with an origin from PAHs and can be used to constrain the molecular structure of the family of PAHs responsible for the infrared features. The observed asymmetry of the "11.3 microns" band is consistent with the slight anharmonicity expected in the C--H out-of-plane bending mode in PAHs. Laboratory experiments show that the intensity of this mode relative to the higher frequency modes depends on the extent of molecular "clustering." The observed strengths of the "11.3 microns" interstellar bands relative to the higher frequency bands are most consistent with the features originating from free molecular PAHs. The intensity and profile of the underlying broad structure, however, may well arise from PAH clusters and amorphous carbon particles. Analysis of the 11-13 microns (910-770 cm-1) emission suggests that the molecular structures of the most intensity emitting free PAHs vary somewhat between the high-excitation environment in NGC 7027 and the low-excitation but high-flux environment close to HD 44179. Finally, a previously undetected series of regularly spaced features between 10 and 11 microns (1000 and 910 cm-1) in the spectrum of HD 44179 suggests that a simple polyatomic hydride is present in the gas phase in this object.

Photometry from voyager 2: initial results from the uranian atmosphere, satellites, and rings.

The Voyager 2 photopolarimeter successfully completed the Uranus encounter, acquiring new data on the planet's atmosphere, its principal satellites, and its ring system. Spatially resolved photometry of the atmosphere at 0.27 micrometer shows no enhancement in absorption toward the pole, unlike the case for Jupiter and Saturn. Stellar occultation measurements indicate the temperature at the 1-millibar level over the north pole is near 90 kelvins. The geometric albedos of the five large satellites of Uranus were measured at 0.27 and 0.75 micrometer and indicate the presence of low albedo, spetrally flat absorbing material. Titania seems to have a fluffy surface, as indicated by its phase curve. The nine ground-based rings were detected, and their internal structure, optical depths, and positions were determined. The sharp edges of the in ring made it possible to measure its edge thickness (less than 150 meters) and particle sizes (less than 30 meters); little or no dust was detcted. New narrow rings and partial rings (arcs) were measured, and the narrow component of the eta ring was found to be discontinuous.