Date: Monday 29-Aug-2016
Time: 14:00-15:00 (2:00-3:00 pm)
Location: CSS 1250
Speaker: Dr. Murthy Gudipati (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Title: "Radiation-induced Production of Near-Surface Volatiles on Simulated Europa's Surface"
Europa's surface is heavily bombarded with Jovian magnetospheric radiation, which includes high-energy electrons that penetrate far deeper than the other ionic species such as H+, O+, and S+. However, both electrons and ions cause surface sputtering that results in ejection of neutral and ionic atoms, molecules, clusters, and large ice particles that are sometimes also known as "dust" particles. These volatile gases and non-volatile ices form Europa's tenuous atmosphere, providing an opportunity to determine Europa's surface composition while flying over Europa. NASA's planned Europa Mission (https://www.nasa.gov/europa) is aimed at doing precisely this using two instruments on board SUDA and MASPEX (http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-s-europa-mission-begins-with-selection-of-science-instruments), while a suite of other instruments interrogates surface and interior, all together to address the big picture of "Europa's Habitability". This talk summarizes expected near-surface volatiles on Europa based on laboratory experimental simulations.
For further information contact PALS coordinator Dr. Matthew Knight at knight@astro.umd.edu or (301)-405-2629.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
