Europa's role in the Jupiter system

Space Environment Technologies, Pacific Palisades CA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this program is to determine limits for the rate of atmospheric escape from the moon Europa into Jupiter's plasma sheet. The research will constrain important properties of Europa's atmosphere, including the presence of H2O vented from a subsurface ocean. To accomplish its goals, the project will model the Europa plasma sheet to determine plasma diffusion probabilities, lifetimes and mass loading rates. Broader impacts of the work include training of undergraduate and graduate students. The work could inform future decisions on whether a dedicated space mission to Europa is warranted.