Spectra of Jupiters Moons
12.5" Newtonian and Star Analyzer
Uploaded 11/7/12

 

            
When examining
            the moons of Jupiter visually, I have always noticed that Io,
            the volcanic moon with no ice is quite yellow in color compared
            to either Europa or Callisto which are covered in pure white
            ice. Since ice reflects the suns G2V spectra they appear white
            and a repeat of the solar spectrum. Io on the other hand can
            attribute its yellow color to sulfur compounds on its bare volcanic
            surface. Visually, I could never see any more on this moon than
            just a tiny featureless disk. To be able to see some additional
            details about this moon is a real bonus! 

            
Look carefully
            at the spectra and you will see that on the blue end, Io is lacking
            the reflectivity that Europa possesses. This is why it is yellow
            in color.

Click on these thumbnails for the full size view:


            

Actual image through 12.5" 
and Star Analyzer grating with
DMK51 CCD camera at prime focus

            
 
In violet - Europa which is pure white ice
In Blue - Io, the surface is mostly sulfur 


Instrument:  12.5" f/5 Home made Newtonian
Grating:  Star Analyzer  100 lpmm
Mount:  Astrophysics 1200 QMD
CCD Camera:  DMK51 Imaging Source
Location:  Payson, Arizona, Elevation:  5150 ft.
Sky:  Seeing FWHM = 4 arcsec , Transparency 9/10
Outside Temperature:  45 F
Image Processing Tools: RSpec for spectral extraction, Photoshop CS2

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