Narrow-band filter, high-spectral-resolution (0.2 cm, in, ) and vibrational (, emissions appear to be morphologically different, especially in the north, where the latter notably exhibits a ‘hot spot’ near, band, detected on Jupiter for the first time. They can be used to determine, ) spectro-imaging infrared observations of Jupiter's auroral zones, acquired in October 1999 and October 2000 with the FTS/BEAR instrument at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, have provided maps of the emission from the H, column densities, rotational (, column densities. The thermostatic role played by, lines, including two hot lines from the 3, =150–170° System III longitude. The spectra include a total of 14, =3 level with respect to local thermodynamical equilibrium. Rotational temperatures and associated column densities are generally higher and lower, respectively, than inferred previously from, observations. These features can be explained by the combination of both a large positive temperature gradient in the sub-microbar auroral atmosphere and non-local thermal equilibrium effects affecting preferentially hot and combination bands. Spatial variations in line intensities are mostly owing to correlated variations in the, lines. H, ) temperatures. We find the mean, =3 state to be lower (960±50 K) than the mean, S, and, about 250 K higher than other regions., =2 (1170±75 K), indicating an underpopulation of the, at ionospheric levels may provide an explanation. The exception is the northern ‘hot spot’, which exhibits a, (1) quadrupole line and several, of the