Exploring Possible Formation Mechanisms for NH4SH Clouds on Jupiter

Authors

• Morgan Rietmann, Florida Institute of Technology

Document Type

Poster

Publication Title

Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase

Abstract

Even after decades of research, much of Jupiter’s atmosphere is poorly understood. Recently, interest in a 2-3 bar cloud deck generated by a new ammonia mapping technique has exposed the very flimsy nature of the assumption that these clouds are made primarily of ammonium hydrosulfide (NH₄SH). While there is evidence to support the existence of NH₄SH at this level, its formation reaction and the interaction between this reaction and its environment has been lacking proper study. With closer inspection, the abundance of NH₃ in the atmosphere lends itself to the possible additional formation of ammonium sulfide ((NH₄)₂S ), prompting further examination of the chemistry occurring in these clouds.

Advisor

Csaba Palotai, Boris Akhremitchev

Publication Date

4-24-2026

Recommended Citation

Rietmann, Morgan, "Exploring Possible Formation Mechanisms for NH4SH Clouds on Jupiter" (2026). Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Student Publications. 82.
https://repository.fit.edu/apss_student/82