Satellite Science Goals


  1. Characterize the morphology, geology, and physical state of the satellite surfaces
  2. Investigate the satellites surface mineralogy and determine the distribution of the compositional units
  3. Determine the satellites gravitational fields, magnetic fields and dynamic properties
  4. Study satellite atmospheres and ionospheres, extended gas clouds arising from the satellites, and interactions with the magnetosphere

Imaging Priorities

  1. Geological evolution of Io and Europa (samples < 1 km)
  2. Geological evolution of Ganymede and Callisto (samples < 100 m)
  3. Nature of current Io volcanism/variability
    (target plumes, surface flows, frosts, dark side search for silicate volcanism)
  4. Global context for #1.
    (Europa moderate resolution regional coverage - some with color)
  5. Global context for #2.
    (regional moderate resolution < 2km - some with color)
  6. Global context for #2 (Callisto color samples)
  7. Surface composition of all satellites (photometric properties of all)
  8. Origin and mass balance of ring material
  9. Additional regional Callisto coverage (< 2km)
  10. Voyager complimentary coverage in color (to extent possible)

Features and Processes




Ganymede



Callisto



Europa



Io



Small Satellites and Rings






The complete Image Guide text for all of the images


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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