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Molecular Origin of Io's Fast Sodium
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 20, 1991
Summary
Jupiter
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Physics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
Background:
- Jupiter's moon Io possesses a tenuous atmosphere.
- Neutral sodium emissions are observed in a complex structure around Jupiter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the observed intricate and variable structure of neutral sodium emissions around Jupiter.
- To investigate the source and transport mechanisms of sodium in Jupiter's environment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of observational data of neutral sodium emissions.
- Modeling of atmospheric and plasma processes in the Io-Jupiter system.
Main Results:
- Observed sodium emissions are consistent with a loss process originating from Io's atmosphere.
- Fast neutral sodium is produced locally in the Io plasma torus, near Io and downstream.
- Molecular ions in Io's atmosphere are ionized, dissociated, and recombine, releasing sodium into Jupiter's escape trajectories.
Conclusions:
- A molecular source in Io's upper atmosphere explains Jupiter's sodium emissions.
- Electron impact ionization and dissociation are crucial processes at the top of Io's atmosphere.
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