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 and interior models reproducing the observed external gravitational; field, we derive new constraints on the composition and structure of the planet, We conclude that, except fur helium which must be more abundant in the metallic interior than in the molecular envelope, Jupiter could be homogeneous (no core) or could have a central dense core up to 12 M+. The mass fraction of heavy elements is less than 7.5 times the solar value in the metallic envelope and between 1 and 7.2 times solar in the molecular envelope, The total amount of elements other than hydrogen and helium in the planet is between 11 and 45 M+. (C) 1997 Academic Press.