Results of the Galileo solid state imaging (SSI) experiment

Abstract

We present a brief synopsis of the nature of SSI data that was taken during the nominal Galileo mission. Significant results are briefly described. These include evidence for geologic activity on Europa that supports the hypothesis of liquid water under a thin ice shell; a demonstration of the ubiquitous presence of a thick crust and high temperature silicate volcanism on Io; a demonstration that, together with results from other experiments, the molecular composition in Jupiter's atmosphere depends on local meteorology; the resolution of lightning flashes and their association with cloud type; the identification of cloud structures at or below the 4-bar level that are presumably composed of water; the location and morphology of visible aurorae in Jupiter's Northern hemisphere; improved geodetic control nets for the Galilean satellites; measurement of the sizes and shapes of Metis, Adrastea and Amalthea; new features of the main and gossamer rings; discovery of visible Io-glow and surface hotspots especially at the sub- and anti-jove regions on Io; evidence for solid state convection in Europa's ice shell and its probable non-synchronous rotation; the discovery of visible Europa-glow; evidence that tectonism has dominated the resurfacing of bright grooved terrain on Ganymede; the discovery of a thick blanket of dark material on Callisto's surface and that mass-wasting and sublimation are significant degradation processes on this satellite.