NSF/AFOSR Astonomy: Observational Evidence for the Sources of Neutral Clouds in the IO-Jupiter System.

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0628781/Mendillo, BU The award will cover the use of the Air Force's Advanced Electro-Optical System telescope on Maui for high-resolution imaging of the escaping atmosphere of Jupiter's moon Io. The escaping gases from Io's atmosphere, eventually ionized in the Jovian environment, is the main driver for Jupiter's intense magnetospehere, and better imaging of the transfer of material from Io's atmosphere into the active environment of Jupiter will allow a better understanding of the dynamics of the complex Jovian environment. The work is in collaboration with the Japanese, and includes a significant new program of education and outreach to a minority population in one of Boston's inner city schools.