3-D analysis of the seismic response of Jupiter to the SL9 impacts: application to the CAMIRAS infrared images

The search for infrared signatures of the seismic waves launched by the explosions of the SL9 fragments in the Jovian troposphere is reported. Attention is restricted to the primary pressure waves (P-waves) which cross the planet within the 2 h following each impact. First the possible focusing of these waves which occurs if the plasma phase transition from molecular to metallic hydrogen exists in the Jupiter envelope is searched for. A three-dimensional wave propagation code is computed to take into account the strong oblateness of Jupiter. This model permits the determination of the wavefront shape accurately. Although no seismic signal is detected, an upper limit of 1.5 × 1021 J for the kinetic energy of the observed impacts (A, E, H, L, Q1) can be set, corresponding to fragment diameters lower than 1.2 km.