Volume 100, Issue E9 p. 19041-19048

Spectra of the icy Galilean satellites from 0.2 to 5μm: A compilation, new observations, and a recent summary

First published: 25 September 1995
Citations: 94

Abstract

From a variety of sources in the literature and from recent, unpublished, high-spectral-resolution data, we can now piece together spectra of both leading and trailing hemispheres for all three icy Galilean satellites from 0.24 to 4 or, in some cases, to 5 μm. The presentation of composite spectra for both hemispheres of all three satellites lends itself to a brief summary of recent results and observations, discussion of the variation in surface composition and surface processing among the three satellites, evolution of our understanding since the comprehensive reviews of the early to mid-1980's, and suggestions for future observations. The data compilation will assist those planning telescopic observations or spectral modeling studies in support of the Galileo mission to Jupiter, those making observations of other icy solar system bodies, or those designing observation plans for the Cassini mission to Saturn.