Europa from SOFIA: first 5-8 μm spectra

We will present the first observations from the SOFIA telescope of Europa, and the first ever 5-8 μm spectra of this satellite. This never-before-observed spectral region contains discriminating bands of some of the proposed constituents of Europa's surface, key spectral features that are diagnostic of the radiolytic cycle, and the potential for unexpected discoveries. For a bright object as well studied as Europa, few opportunities exist to observe completely unseen spectral regions; this first look could potentially yield a rich bounty and a major breakthrough in our understanding of the chemistry of Europa and its relationship with an interior ocean. We we discuss, in particular, the implications of these observations for the recently proposed "sea-salt hypothesis," that the interior ocean of Europa is composed primarily of chloride salts whose spectral effects can be seen on the surface ice.