EXCITATION OF LOW-ORDER JOVIAN P-MODES BY COMETARY IMPACTS

Three mechanisms for the impact excitation of low-order p-mode oscilla tions of Jupiter are examined: a pressure pulse, direct momentum trans fer, and a blast wave. The oscillation amplitudes of these low-order m odes excited by the impacts of the fragments of P/Shoemaker Levy 9 are estimated to be several orders of magnitude less than current detecti on limits. Other global oscillation modes, e.g., interfacial, surface, and high-frequency p-modes, are more highly excited by surface impact s but are not the subject of this Letter.