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Cassini Imaging Science: initial results on Phoebe and Iapetus
C C Porco1, E Baker, J Barbara
1Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations, Space Science Institute, 4750 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. carolyn@ciclops.org
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 26, 2005
Summary
Cassini
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Solar System Exploration
Background:
- The Cassini mission provided close-up observations of Saturn's moons.
- Phoebe and Iapetus are outer moons with distinct geological features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze high-resolution imaging data of Phoebe and Iapetus obtained during Cassini flybys.
- To characterize the surface features, composition, and geological history of these moons.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of high-resolution imaging data by the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem.
- Analysis of surface morphology, albedo variations, and density indicators.
Main Results:
- Phoebe exhibits a heavily cratered, ancient surface with subsurface ice and layered materials, suggesting an ice-rock composition.
- Iapetus's dark Cassini Regio shows ancient, cratered terrain with a prominent equatorial ridge and evidence of mass wasting.
Conclusions:
- Phoebe's characteristics suggest it may be a captured Kuiper Belt Object or a remnant protoplanet.
- The origin of the material involved in mass wasting on Iapetus remains undetermined, warranting further investigation.
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