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December 8, 1972Science245 citations

Galilean Satellites: Identification of Water Frost

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CPC. B. PilcherSRStephen T. RidgwayTMT. B. McCord

Key Points

  • To identify and quantify water frost distribution across the surfaces of Jupiter's Galilean satellites.
  • Measured infrared reflectivity spectra across Galilean satellites Europa (JII), Ganymede (JIII), Callisto (JIV), and Io (JI).
  • Calculated fractional surface frost coverage and evaluated the spectral signatures of underlying materials and hemispheric variations.
  • Europa and Ganymede showed 50% to 100% and 20% to 65% frost coverage, respectively, with Callisto exhibiting possible 5% to 25% coverage.
  • Ganymede's leading side possessed 20% more frost than its trailing side, accounting for observed geometric albedo differences across an underlying silicate-like substrate.

Abstract

Water frost absorptions have been detected in the infrared reflectivities of Jupiter's Galilean satellites JII (Europa) and JIII (Ganymede). We have determined the percentage of frost-covered surface area to be 50 to 100 percent for JII, 20 to 65 percent for JIII, and possibly 5 to 25 percent for JIV (Callisto). The leading side of JIII has 20 percent more frost cover than the trailing side, which explains the visible geometric albedo differences between the two sides. The reflectivity of the material underlying the frost on JII, JIII, and JIV resembles that of silicates. The surface of JI (Io) may be covered by frost particles much smaller than those on JII and JIII.

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Cite This Study

Pilcher et al. (1972) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f82ca9da02d9c84cf7599ehttps://doi.org/10.1126/science.178.4065.1087
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