Non-thermal escape on Triton driven by atmospheric and ionospheric chemistry

Context. Jeans escape is believed to dominate atmospheric for most outer Solar System bodies. However, non-thermal mechanisms, particularly and ionospheric chemistry, are likely contribute substantially neutral on Triton. Aims. This study devoted evaluating the role of chemically induced H, H 2 , C, N, O, N CO Triton via a variety processes. Here, we also aim identify dominant processes these species. Methods. We used background structures from available model calculations. constructed test particle Monte Carlo determine probability profiles various species released 35 channels. Species-dependent energy-dependent cross sections were adopted in our calculations, along with strongly forward-scattering angle distribution, all constrained by laboratory measurements. Results. The chemical rates derived as 4.5 × 10 24 s −1 total 6.9 22 8.0 1.4 23 O. Conclusions. Based comparison respective rates, calculations indicate that chemistry make small but non-negligible contributions both C Triton, whereas its O significant.