Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations

Details Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations

Nov 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001dps....33.3707h&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS Meeting #33, #37.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 33, p.1107

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

We present 3.5 cm wavelength radar reflectivity images of Ganymede and Callisto obtained by using the Goldstone radar and the VLA in a bistatic configuration. Although lower resolution than previous monostatic radar observations of these satellites (360 km vs. 75 km), the bistatic geometry and VLA image synthesis lead to albedo maps that are not subject to the usual range-Doppler folding and superposition of the northern and southern hemispheres. The data were acquired during the December 2000 Jovian opposition. As the array was maximally extended (A-configuration) for the observations, the best resolution possible with the Goldstone/VLA radar instrument was obtained. Observations at radio wavelengths are unique in their ability to probe beneath the surfaces of these bodies, possibly yielding information on structures that are not visible in optical images. Hence, we compare the new radar maps with Galileo orbiter images of the Jovian moons. We use the data acquired here to map the spatial variations in radar cross section across the disk of these moons and correlate them with optical albedo images, and investigate the spatial extent and absolute cross section of the coherent backscatter phenomena (Hapke, 1990) noted in 13 cm monostatic radar imaging with the Arecibo radar (Ostro et al., 1990; Harcke et al., 2001). Overlaying the radar images on the recent Galileo images will permit identification of particular radar surface features with optically-seen and studied features. The spatially resolved data permit tentative identification of the terrains which produce enhanced backscatter from the surfaces of these icy moons, and might eventually suggest candidate resurfacing processes. Harcke, L.J. (2001). 32nd LPSC, abstract 1369. Hapke, B. (1990). Icarus, 88, 407. Ostro, S.J. et al. (1992). JGR, 97, 18,227.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Unambiguous 3.5 cm radar images of Ganymede and Callisto from bistatic Goldstone/VLA radar observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1238311