Global Mapping of the Opposition Surge on the Galilean Satellites

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #6752 Solar System

Scientific paper

We propose to construct ~200 km resolution global maps of the opposition brightness surge for each of the 4 Galilean satellites to support and complement Galileo mission science investigations. The 2 best observed satellite surfaces are known to exhibit both inter- and intra-satellite variability. Callisto's leading hemisphere brightness surge is twice the amplitude of its trailing hemisphere surge. Europa's surge spans only 1 degree of phase angle, alpha, while Callisto's spans 5 degrees. For 2 weeks in early July 1996, these satellites will be observable with alpha < 2 degrees. Time critical acquisition of WFPC2 images during this period will allow ~90 degree longitude sampling of a full rotation of all 4 Galilean satellites at 0.05 < alpha < 1.3 degrees. From these photometrically calibrated images combined with similar image sets acquired at alpha ~ 6 degrees and alpha ~ 10degrees, we will construct global maps of the very small alpha opposition surge with ~200 km spatial resolution for each satellite. Similar global small Alpha coverage will not be obtained with the Galileo spacecraft due to very limited opportunities available for high spatial resolution, small alpha imaging. This HST investigation will not only yield the definitive study of the small alpha photometric properties of these icy satellite surfaces, but will likely lead to a better understanding of the ubiquitous opposition surge phenomenon by revealing the relationship between variations in the opposition surge and surface geological, morphological, and spectral distinctions to be studied from Galileo.

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