82-7 Understanding and Maximizing the Scientific Utility of JunoCam Images at Europa

Session: Friends of Hoth, Episode IX: The Rise of Icy Ocean Worlds

Presenting Author:

Leah Sacks

Authors:

Sacks, Leah E¹, Leonard, Erin J.², Phillips, Cynthia B³, Lesage, Elodie⁴, Dejoie, Alex⁵

(1) NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA, (2) NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA, (3) NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA, (4) NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA, (5) NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA; Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace, Toulouse, France,

Abstract:

Jupiter’s moon Europa, which bears a subsurface water-ocean, has been intensely studied via the Galileo and Voyager missions, as well as through space and ground-based telescopes. The highly anticipated Europa Clipper mission will answer the questions left by these preceding missions when it arrives there in 2030. However, with the addition of the Juno extended mission flyby of Europa, we are now able to add a third source of orbital information. On September 29^th, 2022, Juno performed a flyby of Europa with a close approach of ~355 km and collected a variety of data, including four images with the JunoCam public outreach instrument. The new images provide additional information and allow for analysis of the surface over time and in differing lighting conditions. 

Using the JunoCam images, we are pursuing this new time series information and performing change detection research at Europa. While examining the moon’s surface in both Galileo and Juno conditions, we have so far observed several areas that respond notably differently to the two image geometries. Additionally, this research will seek any evidence of active geologic processes and a changing surface on Europa. The absence of such active places further limits on the rates of such processes and the surface age of the moon.

In addition to increasing our understanding of imaging and surfaces features at Europa, we are attempting to increase the scientific output of the JunoCam images. JunoCam was intended as an outreach instrument rather than a science instrument and consequently is not fully calibrated. By exploring alternative options for calibration, we work to derive the best calibration possible under the caveat that this was never intended to be done. The completion of this work will allow for better relative comparison between the images and to other planetary bodies, as well as providing more accurate radiometric information, within error. 

Our work aims to prepare for the arrival of the upcoming Europa Clipper flagship mission by developing new scientific hypotheses that can be tested by Europa Clipper and supplementing our knowledge of Europa with the most recent images of the moon, calibrated to be as scientifically accurate as possible. Reliance upon existing knowledge of Europa is inherent to the functions of the mission, thus making this research a critical addition. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-11087

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