Satellite Science Goals
- Characterize the morphology, geology, and physical state of the satellite surfaces
- Investigate the satellites surface mineralogy and determine the distribution of the compositional units
- Determine the satellites gravitational fields, magnetic fields and dynamic properties
- Study satellite atmospheres and ionospheres, extended gas clouds arising from the satellites, and interactions with the magnetosphere
Imaging Priorities
- Geological evolution of Io and Europa (samples < 1 km)
- Geological evolution of Ganymede and Callisto (samples < 100 m)
- Nature of current Io volcanism/variability
(target plumes, surface flows, frosts, dark side search for silicate volcanism)
- Global context for #1.
(Europa moderate resolution regional coverage - some with color)
- Global context for #2.
(regional moderate resolution < 2km - some with color)
- Global context for #2 (Callisto color samples)
- Surface composition of all satellites (photometric properties of all)
- Origin and mass balance of ring material
- Additional regional Callisto coverage (< 2km)
- Voyager complimentary coverage in color (to extent possible)
Features and Processes
Callisto
- Science Objectives
- Acquiring high resolution samples of typical cratered terrain and
components of the Valhalla and Asgaard basins
- Filling Voyager gaps
- Color sampling of the surface at local, regional, and global scales
- Determining the surfaces photometric properties
- Features and Processes
- Image Sequence
(New images beginning September 1996)
Europa
- Science Objectives
Europa was poorly imaged by Voyager so the plan includes a mix of high
resolution and low resolution observations to provide context.
- Determine the nature, origin, and age of the tectonic features
- Determine the nature, rates and sequence of resurfacing events
- Assess the cratering history
- Map spectral and photometric properties
- Features and Processes
- Image Sequence
(New images beginning July 1996)
Io
- Science Objectives
- Near terminator mapping of topography at 2-10 km resolution
- Monitor color and albedo changes of the surface
- Monitor plume activity
- Features and Processes
- Image Sequence
(New images beginning July 1996)
Small Satellites and Rings
- Science Objectives
- Better characterize the small inner satellites
Thebe
Amalthea
Metis
Adrastea
- Search for new small satellites
- Determine origin and mass of ring material
- Image Sequence
(New images beginning September 1996)

The complete Image Guide text for all of the images
Return to SSI Education and Public Outreach Homepage
SSI Team Leader: Dr. Michael J. S. Belton
homepage contact: Matthew Fishburn -- mfishburn@noao.edu
The National Optical Astronomy Observatories are operated by AURA Inc. under
contract to the National Science Foundation.
Last updated: June 28, 1996, by Ross Beyer