Probing the Surface Composition of Europa through Atmospheric Spectroscopy

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Hst Proposal Id #8753 Solar System

Scientific paper

We propose to analyze previously obtained spectra of the vicinity of Europa to search for magnesium in the satellite's atmosphere. Analysis of Galileo NIMS spectra has led to the suggestion that magnesium is abundant on parts of the satellite as a hydrated evaporite salt. This interpretation has been controversial, however, as similar spectra could be produced by mostly pure water ice under special conditions. In addition, the specific presence of magnesium is uncertain, as many hydrated salts produce a similar spectrum. Any salts present on the surface of Europa will be sputtered in the atmosphere where they are potentially detectable remotely. Our previous groundbased observations have detected potassium and sodium in the atmosphere of Europa, which are other possible components of salts on the surface. Detection of magnesium would be a strong confirmation of the magnesium salt interpretation of the NIMS data and would help to quantify the trace element composition of the surface and possibly any subsurface liquid on the satellite.

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