The complete Image Guide text for all of the images
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| Target: |
Ganymede - Memphis Facula |
| Date of Observation: |
June 27, 1996 |
| # of Frames in mosaic: |
4 |
|
Description of the Area:
Memphis Facula is the archetypal
palimpsest, an ancient impact scar which
is distinctly bright against the dark cratered terrain of Galileo Regio.
It occurs on a background of furrowed
dark terrain, with small patches of dark smooth materials
appearing to fill the low spots between furrows. The images across the
palimpsest will provide information as to the origin and evolution
of this and similar low-relief impact scars.
Questions we hope to answer:
- What is the nature of palimpsests on Ganymede?
- Why are palimpsests brighter than the surrounding terrain?
- Palimpsests have a range of
topographies; they can
be flat to basin-like, and some have central domes.
Are there any indications of the factors that control final
palimpsest topography?
- What role has the resurfacing
of Ganymede played in modifying the palimpsests?
- What is the range of crater
morphologies in the palimpsest region and how does
it relate to craters in other regions?
- How was the dark material emplaced on the surface?
