New constraints on the composition of Jupiter from Galileo measurements and interior models

Using the helium abundance measured by Galileo in the atmosphere of Jupiter andinterior models reproducing the observed external gravitational field, we derivenew constraints on the composition and structure of the planet. We conclude that,except for helium which must be more abundant in the metallic interior than in themolecular envelope, Jupiter could be homogeneous (no core) or could have a centraldense core up to 12 [M.sub.[symmetry]]. The mass fraction of heavy elements is lessthan 7.5 times the solar value in the metallic envelope and between 1 and 7.2 timessolar in the molecular envelope. The total amount of elements other than hydrogenand helium in the planet is between 11 and 45 [M.sub.[symmetry]]. Key Words: Jupiter; interiors; planets; chemical abundances.