Abstract
Abstract Unraveling the geological processes ongoing at Io’s numerous sites of active volcanism requires high spatial resolution to, for example, measure the areal coverage of lava flows or identify the presence of multiple emitting regions within a single volcanic center. In de Kleer et al. (2017) we described observations with the Large Binocular Telescope during an occultation of Io by Europa at ∼6:17 UT on 2015 March 8 and presented a map of the temperature distribution within Loki Patera derived from these data. Here we present emission maps of three other volcanic centers derived from the same observation: Pillan Patera, Kurdalagon Patera, and the vicinity of Ulgen Patera/PV59/N Lerna Regio. The emission is localized by the light curves and resolved into multiple distinct emitting regions in two of the cases. Both Pillan and Kurdalagon Paterae had undergone eruptions in the months prior to our observations, and the location and intensity of the emission are interpreted in the context of the temporal evolution of these eruptions observed from other facilities. The emission from Kurdalagon Patera is resolved into two distinct emitting regions separated by only a few degrees in latitude that were unresolved by Keck observations from the same month.
Highlights
Io’s multitude of rapidly evolving volcanoes provide our best opportunity to directly study ongoing silicate volcanism on another world
The eruption was first detected from the NASA IRTF 3.1 m telescope, from which a major spike in emission was seen on February 18, and could not have initiated before February 4
We present an analysis of light curves of three distinct emitting hot spots on Io from Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) observations taken on 2015 March 8 when Europa passed in front of Io
Summary
Io’s multitude of rapidly evolving volcanoes provide our best opportunity to directly study ongoing silicate volcanism on another world. High-resolution visible imagery from the Voyager and Galileo missions revealed that many of Io’s volcanic centers are complex systems of paterae, fissures, lava flows, and volatile deposits, with recent activity often superposing flows and deposits over relics of past activity (e.g., Schaber 1980, 1982; Williams et al 2011a, 2011b). Detailed imagery of these regions can help piece together the history of activity and the range of volcanic styles active within a given region, which in turn provide clues into magma composition and vent conditions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
