Spectroscopic Mapping of Io's Surface with HST/STIS: SO₂ Frost, Sulfur Allotropes, and Large-scale Compositional Patterns
Abstract
Io's intense volcanic activity results in one of the most colorful surfaces in the solar system. Ultraviolet and visible-wavelength observations of Io are critical to uncovering the chemistry behind its volcanic hues. Here, we present global, spatially resolved ultraviolet-visible spectra of Io from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope, which bridge the gap between previous highly resolved imagery and disk-integrated spectroscopy, to provide an unprecedented combination of spatial and spectral detail. We use this comprehensive data set to investigate spectral endmembers, map observed spectral features associated with SO₂ frost and other sulfur species, and explore possible compositions in the context of Io surface processes. In agreement with past observations, our results are consistent with extensive equatorial SO₂ frost deposits that are stable over multidecade timescales, widespread sulfur-rich plains surrounding the SO₂ deposits, and the enrichment of Pele's pyroclastic ring and the high-latitude regions in metastable short-chain sulfur allotropes.
Additional Information
Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555. These observations are associated with program # 15925. Support for program #15925 was provided by NASA through a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555. S.K.T. is supported by the Heising-Simons Foundation through a 51 Pegasi b postdoctoral fellowship. All of the data presented in this paper were obtained from the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) at the Space Telescope Science Institute. The specific observations analyzed can be accessed via doi:10.17909/t9-5tsd-s772. The authors thank Katherine de Kleer and Jonathan Lunine for useful discussions.Additional details
- Alternative title
- Spectroscopic Mapping of Io's Surface with HST/STIS: SO2 Frost, Sulfur Allotropes, and Large-scale Compositional Patterns
- Eprint ID
- 119019
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20230203-893210800.25
- NAS5-26555
- NASA
- 51 Pegasi b Fellowship
- Heising-Simons Foundation
- Created
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2023-02-07Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2023-02-07Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Caltech groups
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences