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Chapter 13: Problem 5

No spacecraft from Earth has ever landed on any of the Galilean satellites. How, then, can we know anything about the chemical compositions of these satellites?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Scientists use remote sensing techniques, including spectroscopy and advanced telescopic observations, and data from spacecraft fly-bys to determine the chemical compositions of celestial bodies like Galilean satellites without physically landing on them.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Remote Sensing Techniques

Scientists use remote sensing techniques to study celestial bodies. Primarily, spectroscopy is used to determine the chemical composition of a celestial body. Spectroscopy involves studying the light (or more generally, electromagnetic radiation) emitted, absorbed, or scattered by an object.
02

Analyzing Spectroscopic Data

When a celestial body, like a Galilean satellite, is observed through spectroscopy, the received light or electromagnetic signals are analyzed. Each element and compound has its unique spectral lines (patterns). By matching these spectral lines with those in the spectroscopic data, it's possible to determine the chemical compositions of the celestial bodies.
03

Investigating further with Telescopes

Apart from spectroscopy, telescopes equipped with advanced detectors and imagers also help identify chemical elements on a planet or a moon’s surface. These instruments can detect thermal emissions and reflective characteristics of materials on their surfaces, providing further indications of their composition.
04

Using Data from Probe Fly-bys

Another method used is collecting data during spacecraft fly-bys. Although the spacecraft doesn't land, it passes close enough to capture detailed data about the object's physical and chemical properties. for example, when the Galileo orbiter flew past Jupiter's moon, it provided data about these moons' magnetic fields, which also gave some clues about their internal composition.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Find the escape speed on Titan. What is the limiting molecular weight of gases that could be retained by Titan's gravity? (Hint: Use the ideas presented in Box 7-2 and assume an average atmospheric temperature of \(95 \mathrm{~K}\).)

Jupiter's satellite Io and Saturn's satellite Enceladus are both geologically active, and both are in 2 -to- 1 resonances with other satellites. However, the amount of geologic activity of Enceladus is far less than on Io. Discuss some possible reasons for this difference.

Despite all the gases released from its interior by volcanic activity, Io does not possess a thick atmosphere. Explain why not.

What is the source of energy that powers Io's volcanoes? How is it related to the orbits of Io and the other Galilean satellites?

Speculate on the possibility that Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto might harbor some sort of life. Explain your reasoning.
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