Related Observational Work

Jennifer, Cece, and collaborator Paul Corlies (MIT) are using the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) to investigate the complexities of Titan's atmospheric chemistry. The observations aim to constrain the vertical abundance of methane, along with the abundance and composition of Titan's hydrocarbon-rich hazes.

Image credit: ESA/ATG medialab

Europa is one of the Galilean moons of Jupiter and is the smallest of the four.  Its orbit around Jupiter induces tidal flexing, which provides an environment capable of sustaining a liquid water ocean under its icy surface. Due to Europa's elliptical orbit, the surface is pushed and pulled, creating surficial striations. Liquid from the mantle upwells, filling the cracks and spilling over to lay new material on the surface. This can cover craters and other surface features, creating a young surface and providing evidence that Europa is an active body with ongoing interior processes. Due to the likelihood of water being the primary constituent of the oceans, it is thought that life could exist beneath the surface, spurring excitement among the Europa and astrobiology communities.

This project uses the LDT and is headed by Jennifer. Observations attempt to detect chlorine salts on the surface of Europa. If chlorine salts do exist on the surface, this would provide valuable information about the interior, especially concerning the temperature of the ocean, the thickness of the ice shell and the potential for habitability.