Thermal Inertia and Bolometric Bond Albedo Measurements of Europa’s Surface using Galileo PPR

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ID: 324347
2026
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Abstract
Abstract We investigate the diurnal temperature variations of Europa’s surface using brightness temperatures taken by Galileo’s Photopolarimeter-Radiometer (PPR) instrument. Diurnal curves created from these data are compared to those predicted by a thermophysical model to determine what thermal inertias and Bond albedos can fit the data within a reduced chi-squared cutoff of $\chi _{\textrm {red}}^2\le 1.0$. This analysis is used to extensively quantify the uncertainty for the first time of the two thermophysical parameters derived from PPR. We map the albedo and thermal inertia for 33% and 24% of Europa’s surface area, respectively. We find a range of 0.375-0.75 for albedo and 20-110 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2 for thermal inertia. Our uncertainty analysis indicates well-constrained estimates for albedo, while upper limits for thermal inertia remain poorly constrained. When averaged across nine geological areas, albedo varies as expected: lower values are obtained for darker regions in visible wavelengths. Thermal inertia appears to vary independently from geological boundaries. The surface was also divided based on electron bombardment energy flux and non-ice composition fraction. Thermal inertia behaves opposite of what is expected: lower thermal inertias are located in regions of high-energy electron bombardment. This possibly indicates a mechanism competing with electron-induced sintering is present that is lowering the surface conductivity. No endogenic anomalies were detected that could not be explained by passive emission alone. Nevertheless, these results aid in preparing for future thermal measurements from Europa Clipper and Juice by improving the surface coverage of Europa’s passive thermal properties and providing uncertainties of their values.
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openalex_W7201979788 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Sarah E Howes, C J A Howett, Duncan Lyster, L Lange, S Piqueux
Journal monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/mnras/stag1507
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stag1507
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