Observations of Io's Atmosphere In and Out of Eclipse
Abstract
As the most volcanically active body in our solar system, Jupiter's satellite Io provides an intriguing target for understanding the dynamic processes of volcanically-driven atmospheres. Past observations show that Io's tenuous sulfurous atmosphere collapses when Io enters Jupiter's shadow, as reduced temperatures result in the rapid condensation of sulfur dioxide, but the morphology and dynamics of its re-establishment once Io has re-entered sunlight have not been observed until now. We present maps of SO2 and SO location and abundance at 10-15 minute time intervals taken throughout Io's journey from eclipse into sunlight in Band 6 (211-275 GHz) of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope. These images show the re-establishment of Io's atmosphere as SO2 ice sublimates post-eclipse, which provides insight into the question of the dominant replenishing source of Io's atmosphere: volcanic outgassing or surface SO2 sublimation.
- Publication:
-
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2019
- Pub Date:
- September 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019EPSC...13..873R