Evolution of the Io footprint brightness I: Far-UV observations

in Planetary and Space Science (in press)

The Io footprint (IFP) is a set of auroral spots and an extended tail resulting from the strong interaction between Io and the Jovian magnetosphere. For the first time, we present measurements of the ... [more ▼]

The Io footprint (IFP) is a set of auroral spots and an extended tail resulting from the strong interaction between Io and the Jovian magnetosphere. For the first time, we present measurements of the brightness and precipitated power for each individual spot, using the image database gathered from 1997 to 2009 with the Hubble Space Telescope in the Far-UV domain. We show that the relative brightness of the spots varies with the System III longitude of Io. Moreover, our novel measurement method based on 3D simulations of the auroral features allows to derive the precipitated energy fluxes from images on which the emission region is observed at a slant angle. Peak values as high as 2 W/m² are observed for the main spot, probably triggering a localized and sudden heating of the atmosphere. Additionally, strong brightness differences are observed from one hemisphere to another. This result indicates that the location of Io in the plasma torus is not the only parameter to control the brightness, but that the magnetic field asymmetries also play a key role. Finally, we present new data confirming that significant variations of the spots' brightness on timescales of 2-4 minutes are ubiquitous, which suggests a relationship with intermittent double layers close to Jovian surface. [less ▲]

Likely Detection of UV Auroral Emission from the Magnetic Footprint of Callisto

Poster (2012, December 06)

A large number of UV images of Jupiter's aurora were obtained in 2007/2008 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ACS/SBC camera. The initial results on variations with the solar wind conditions have been ... [more ▼]

A large number of UV images of Jupiter's aurora were obtained in 2007/2008 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ACS/SBC camera. The initial results on variations with the solar wind conditions have been published elsewhere, but the large database permits other studies to be performed. In particular, while auroral emissions have been detected from the magnetic footprints of Io, Europa, and Ganymede in Jupiter's atmosphere, the footprint of Callisto has been located too close to the main auroral oval to be detected. We have thus analyzed images of the ultraviolet auroral emissions of Jupiter taken using the F115LP filter on the HST/ACS instrument. Using a unique co-addition method, we have identified a strong candidate for the footprint of Callisto on May 24, 2007. We tested this finding by applying the same co-addition method to a nearly identical auroral configuration on May 30, 2007 when Callisto was well removed in its orbit. Comparing the two co-added images, we can clearly see the presence of Callisto’s footprint on the 24th and its absence on the 30th. The method relies as well on the motion of Callisto's footprint remaining under the satellite, while most of the auroral emissions rotate with the planet. The images and analysis method will be presented in this presentation. [less ▲]

Results from the combined HST-Cassini campaign 2011: hydrocarbon absorption and auroral electron energy

Conference (2012, May 24)