Search for color changes and brightening of Io upon eclipse reappearance

Abstract

Medium-resolution spectra were made of Io as it emerged from two eclipses in December 1975. In the wavelength range 4000–5800 Å, no spectral changes greater than the standard deviations were observed when the spectrum of Io just after reappearance was divided by the spectrum of Io 20 min later. No substantial increase in total brightness was observed over the same time interval. These observations were made at a time when the sub-Earth point was in Io's northern hemisphere; therefore, prediction of positive posteclipse brightening in this circumstance is not confirmed.