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Amanda Hendrix
Research Scientist
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive M/S 230-250
Pasadena, CA 91109
Research Summary:
The study of solar system surfaces, especially the Galilean satellites, Saturnian moons, Earth's moon and asteroids, particularly through ultraviolet spectroscopy.
Title 1: Cassini visits the Moons of Saturn
Abstract:
The Cassini mission has provided a unique opportunity to make high-resolution, multi-spectral measurements of Saturn's icy moons, to investigate their surface compositions, processes and evolution. From dark, battered Phoebe orbiting at a distant 200 Saturn radii, to black-and-white Iapetus, to the wispy streaks of Dione, cratered Rhea and Mimas, bright Tethys and geologically active Enceladus, the moons exhibit a variety of surface features and processes. Phoebe, Iapetus and Hyperion all orbit largely outside Saturn’s magnetosphere, while the inner icy satellites Mimas, Enceladus, Dione Tethys and Rhea all orbit within the magnetosphere. Furthermore, the inner icy satellites all orbit within the E-ring – so the extent of exogenic effects on these icy satellites is wide-ranging. I present some of the latest exciting results from Cassini’s suite of instruments.
Title 2: The Galilean Satellites of Jupiter: A Mini Solar System
Abstract:
The moons of Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto – comprise a suite of exciting worlds. Io orbits closest to Jupiter, and as a result of strong tidal forcing, exhibits dramatic volcanism. Europa experiences enough tidal stresses to maintain a liquid water layer - a subsurface ocean that may harbor life. Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system and is particularly unique because it possesses its own magnetosphere. Callisto orbits farthest from Jupiter and exhibits an old-looking surface that is dark and cratered, but may retain a relatively thick atmosphere. I’ll explore results from the 1990’s Galileo mission to Jupiter and look ahead to the next mission to Jupiter and Europa.
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