Pehmeähehkutus

Pehmeähehkutus refers to a phenomenon observed in certain celestial bodies, primarily gas giants, where their upper atmospheres exhibit a faint, diffuse glow. This glow is not a direct consequence of stellar radiation like aurorae, but rather a result of internal energy processes within the planet itself.

The primary mechanism believed to cause pehmeähehkutus is the release of energy from the planet's interior. This energy can be in the form of heat generated from gravitational contraction, tidal heating from orbiting moons, or residual heat from the planet's formation. When this internal energy reaches the upper atmosphere, it excites atmospheric gases, causing them to emit photons in the visible and infrared spectrum.

While the exact composition and intensity of pehmeähehkutus vary between planets, it is generally a subtle effect, often requiring sensitive instruments to detect. It differs from auroral displays, which are driven by charged particles interacting with a planet's magnetosphere. Pehmeähehkutus is a more constant and widespread emission originating from the bulk of the planet's internal heat radiating outwards.

The study of pehmeähehkutus provides valuable insights into the internal structure, thermal evolution, and energy balance of gas giant planets. By analyzing the spectral characteristics and intensity of this glow, scientists can infer information about the planet's core temperature, atmospheric composition, and ongoing geological or internal processes. While not as visually dramatic as other planetary phenomena, pehmeähehkutus remains an important area of astrophysical research.