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Fanale, F.

Publications and source records attributed to Fanale, F..

10 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Spectral Mapping of Jupiter and the Galilean Satellites: Results from Galileo's Initial Orbit

The Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer performed spectral studies of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites during the June 1996 perijove pass of the Galileo spacecraft. Spectra fora5-micrometer hotspot on Jupiter are consistent with the absence of a significant watercloud above 8 bars and with a depletion of water compared to that predicted for solar composition, corroborating results from the Galileo probe. Great Red Spot (GRS) spectral images show that parts of this feature extend upward to 240 millibars, although considerable altitude-dependent structure is found within it. A ring of dense clouds surrounds the GRS and is lower than it by 3 to 7 kilometers. Spectra of Callisto and Ganymede reveal a feature at 4.25 micrometers, attributed to the presence of hydrated minerals or possibly carbon dioxide on their surfaces. Spectra of Europa's high latitudes imply that fine-grained water frost overlies larger grains. Several active volcanic regions were found on lo, with temperatures of 420 to 620 kelvin and projected areas of 5 to 70 square kilometers.

Carlson, R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Lunar maria and related deposits: Preliminary Galileo imaging results

During the Earth-Moon flyby the Galileo Solid State Imaging system obtained new information on lunar media. Imaging data in spectral bands from 0.4 to 1.0 micron wavelength provide color data for deposits on the western limb. General objectives were to determine the composition and stratigraphy of mare and related deposits for areas not previously seen well in color, and to compare the results with well-studied nearside maria. Initial results from images reduced with preliminary calibrations show that Galileo spectral reflectance data are consistent with previous earthbased observations.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

How to make a comet

The primary mandate of NASA is the study of the nature and origin of the solar system. The study of comets provides information about conditions and processes at the beginning of the solar system. Short period comets and their relatives, the near Earth asteroids may prove to be second only to the Sun in importance to the long term survival of civilization for two reasons: as a possible candidate for the cause of mass extinctions of life on Earth and as the material means for the expansion of civilization into the solar system and beyond. In the mean time comets are studied by remote means. Laboratory investigations using synthetic cometary materials may add to the knowledge of these interesting objects. Dust and mantle formation are currently being studied by the use of comet sublimation experiments. Results of these experiments are discussed.

Stephens, J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Origin and evolution of the Jupiter satellite system

The current understanding of the history of the Jovian satellites is assessed, paying particular attention to the conditions in the early Jovian nebula that may have led to the formation of the regular satellites and the capture of the irregular satellites, and to the thermal and chemical development of the interiors of the planet-sized Galilean satellites. Relevant observational constraints are reviewed, dealing separately with groundbased and spacecraft data obtained prior to Voyager and then with the Voyager results. Theories of the origin of the Jovian system are discussed and used to investigate the origin of the satellite system. The subsequent evolution of the larger satellites is then considered. Finally, the present understanding of the origin and evolution of the Jovian satellites is summarized, and ways are considered in which future investigations can help to resolve areas of uncertainty.

Pollack, J. B.↗