Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Exploring the Composition of Europa with the Upcoming Europa Clipper Mission

2024; Springer Science+Business Media; Volume: 220; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/s11214-024-01069-y

1572-9672

Tracy M. Becker, M. Yu. Zolotov, Murthy S. Gudipati, J. M. Soderblom, M. A. McGrath, Bryana L. Henderson, Matthew M. Hedman, Mathieu Choukroun, R. N. Clark, Chase Chivers, Natalie S. Wolfenbarger, Christopher R. Glein, Julie Castillo‐Rogez, O. Mousis, Kirk M. Scanlan, S. Diniega, F. P. Seelos, William Goode, Frank Postberg, C. Grima, Hsiang‐Wen Hsu, Lorenz Roth, Samantha K. Trumbo, Kelly E. Miller, Kristian Chan, C. Paranicas, S. M. Brooks, K. M. Soderlund, W. B. McKinnon, C. A. Hibbitts, H. T. Smith, Philippa Molyneux, G. R. Gladstone, Morgan L. Cable, Zach Ulibarri, B. D. Teolis, M. Horányi, Xianzhe Jia, Erin Leonard, K. P. Hand, S. Vance, S. M. Howell, L. C. Quick, Ishan Mishra, A. M. Rymer, Christelle Briois, D. L. Blaney, U. Raut, J. H. Waite, K. D. Retherford, Everett L. Shock, Paul Withers, J. H. Westlake, Insoo Jun, K. E. Mandt, B. J. Buratti, H. Korth, R. T. Pappalardo,

Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies

Abstract Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, harbors a subsurface liquid water ocean; the prospect of this ocean being habitable motivates further exploration of the moon with the upcoming NASA Europa Clipper mission. Key among the mission goals is a comprehensive assessment of the moon’s composition, which is essential for assessing Europa’s habitability. Through powerful remote sensing and in situ investigations, the Europa Clipper mission will explore the composition of Europa’s surface and subsurface, its tenuous atmosphere, and the local space environment surrounding the moon. Clues on the interior composition of Europa will be gathered through these assessments, especially in regions that may expose subsurface materials, including compelling geologic landforms or locations indicative of recent or current activity such as potential plumes. The planned reconnaissance of the icy world will constrain models that simulate the ongoing external and internal processes that act to alter its composition. This paper presents the composition-themed goals for the Europa Clipper mission, the synergistic, composition-focused investigations that will be conducted, and how the anticipated scientific return will advance our understanding of the origin, evolution, and current state of Europa.