The Distribution and Variability of Io's SO2 Atmosphere

Computer Science

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #10313 Solar System

Scientific paper

We propose the first comprehensive analysis of archival HI Lyman-alpha images of Io acquired in four HST programs from 1997-2001. This dataset comprises the best currently available data to study some of the fundamental properties of Io's SO2 atmosphere, including spatial extent, surface pressure, origin {is the dominant source sublimation or volcanos?}, and variability. The two viable sources are both expected to be highly variable, the sublimation due to the orders of magnitude change in surface vapor pressure from day- to nightside, and the volcanos due to their inherent variability. Indeed, a preliminary look at the archival dataset as a whole confirms the presense of obvious variability for images of the same hemisphere taken at different times {Feaga et al. 2003; see also Figure 4 of the proposal}. Only a single co-added exposure of the 34 Lyman-alpha images available has been modeled previously {Strobel & Wolven 2001}, so these data are ripe for a more thorough analysis. Analysis tools for this type of HST data {STIS imaging spectroscopy} have been developed previously by the PI for a project involving atomic sulfur emission from Io {Feaga et al. 2002}. This work is timely, focused, and well within the scope of a one year, modestly-funded archival research program.

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