Galilean satellites: 1976 radar results

Radar observations of the Galilean satellites, made in late 1976 using the 12.6-cm radar system of the Arecibo Observatory, have yielded mean geometric albedos of 0.04 ± , 0.69 ± 0.17, 0.37 ± 0.09, and 0.15 ± 0.04, for Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, respectively. The albedo for Io is about 40% smaller than that obtained approximately a year earlier, while the albedos for the outer three satellites average about 70% larger than the values previously reported for late 1975, raising the possibility of temporal variation. Very little dependence on orbital phase is noted; however, some regional scattering inhomogeneities are seen on the outer three satellites. For Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, the ratios of the echo received in one mode of circular polarization to that received in the other were: 1.61 ± 0.20 1.48 ± 0.27, and 1.24 ± 0.19, respectively, with the dominant component having the same sence of circularity as that transmitted. This behavior has not previously been encountered in radar studies of solar system objects, whereas the corresponding observations with linear polarization are “normal.” Radii determined from the 1976 radar data for Europa and Ganymede are: 1530 ± 30 and 2670 ± 50 km, in fair agreement with the results from the 1975 radar observations and the best recent optical determinations. Doppler shifts of the radar echoes, useful for the improvement of the orbits of Jupiter and some of the Galilean satellites, are given for 12 nights in 1976 and 10 nights in 1975.     

Polarization opposition effect for the Galilean satellites of Jupiter

We present results of polarimetric observations of the Galilean satellites Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto at phase angles ranging from 0.19° to 2.22°. The observations in the UBVR filters were performed using a one-channel photoelectric polarimeter attached to 70-cm telescope of the Chuguev Observation Station (Ukraine) on November 19-December 7, 2000. We have observed the polarization opposition effect for Io, Europa, and Ganymede to be a sharp secondary spike of negative polarization with an amplitude of about −0.4% centered at phase angles of 0.2°-0.7° and superimposed on the regular negative polarization branch. Although these minima for Io, Europa, and Ganymede show many similarities, they also exhibit a number of distinctions. The polarization opposition effect appears to be wavelength-dependent, at least for Europa and Ganymede. No polarization opposition effect was found for Callisto. The results obtained are discussed within the framework of different mechanisms of light scattering.     

The Galilean satellites: New near-infrared spectral reflectance measurements (0.65–2.5 μm) and a 0.325–5 μm summary

New near-infrared (0.65–2.5 μm) reflectance spectra of the Galilean satellites with 1.5% spectral resolution and ≈2% intensity precision are presented. These spectra more precisely define the water ice absorption features previously identified on Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto at 1.55 and 2.0 μm. In addition, previously unreported spectral features due to water ice are seen at 1.25, 1.06, 0.90, and 0.81 μm on Europa, and at 1.25, 1.04, and possibly 0.71 μm on Ganymede. Unreported absorption features in Callisto's spectrum occur at 1.2 μm, probably due to H₂O, and a weak, broad band extending from 0.75 to 0.95 μm, due possibly to other minerals. The spectrum of Io has only weak absorption features at 1.15 μm and between 0.8 and 1.0 μm. No water absorptions are positively identified in the Io spectra, indicating an upper limit of areal water frost coverage of 2% (leading and trailing sides). It is found for Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa that the water ice absorption features are due to free water and not to water bound or absorbed onto minerals. The areal coverage of water frost is ≈ 100% on Europa (trailing side), ≈65% on Ganymede (leading side), and 20–30% on Callisto (leading side). An upper limit of ≈5% bound water (in addition to the 20–30% ice) may be present on Callisto, based on the strong 3-μm band seen by other investigators. A summary of spectra of the satellites from 0.325 to about 5 μm to aid in laboratory and interpretation studies is also presented.     

Voyager photometry of surface features on Ganymede and Callisto

The photometric properties of selected surface features on Ganymede and Callisto have been studied using Voyager images over phase angles from 10 to 124° taken with the clear filter (effective wave wavelength ∽0.5 μm). Normal reflectences on Ganymede average 0.35 for the cratered terrain and 0.44 for the grooved terrain. The value for the ubiquitous cratered terrain on Callistro is 0.18. The photometric properties of these regions are described closely by a simple scattering function of the form I = Af(α)μ₀/(μ + μ₀), where A is a constant, μ is the cosine of the emission angle, μ₀ is the cosine of the incidence angle, and f(α) is a function of the phase angle, α, only. For these terrains the shape of f(α) is qualitatively similar to that for the moon—generally concave upward. By contrast, bright craters on both satellites have f(α)'s which are concave downward. The scattering properties of these bright features are definitely not Lambertian, but are described approximately by the scattering law given above. The brightest craters on Callisto have reflectances which are only 10% lower than the brightest craters on Ganymede; both have closely similar scattering laws. We estimate that the brightest craters on Ganymede may reach normal reflectances of 0.7. Our phase functions yield phase integrals of q = 0.8 and 0.6 for Ganymede and Callisto, respectively.     

Color photometry of surface features on Ganymede and Callisto

Voyager imaging data demonstrate that the scattering properties (“phase curves”) of all major terrain types on Ganymede and callisto are not significantly wavelength dependent between 0.4 and 0.6 μm. Our data suggest that the phase curves may be slightly steeper at the shorter wavelengths, consistent with the trend of telescopic observations near opposition. However, the differences are small and entirely within the uncertainties of our analysis. Our result indicates that the phase integrals (0.8 for Ganymede and 0.6 for Callisto) derived by S. W. Squyres and J. Veverka [Icarus46, 137–155 (1981)] from the abundant Voyager clear filter observations are reliable measures of the radiometric phase integrals. The corresponding values of the Bond albedo turn out to be 0.35 for Ganymede and 0.11 for Callisto.     

Characteristic features in the spectra of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto

The results of ground-based spectrophotometry of the icy Galilean satellites of Jupiter—Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—are discussed. The observations were carried out in the 0.39–0.92 μm range with the use of the CCD spectrometer mounted on the 1.25-m telescope of the Crimean laboratory of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute in March 2004. It is noted that the calculated reflectance spectra of the satellites mainly agree with the analogous data of the earlier ground-based observations and investigations in the Voyager and Galileo space missions. The present study was aimed at identifying new weak absorption bands (with the relative intensity of ～3–5%) in the reflectance spectra of these bodies with laboratory measurements (Landau et al., 1962; Ramaprasad et al., 1978; Burns, 1993; Busarev et al., 2008). It has been ascertained that the spectra of all of the considered objects contain weak absorption bands of molecular oxygen adsorbed into water ice, which is apparently caused by the radiative implantation of O⁺ ions into the surface material of the satellites in the magnetosphere of Jupiter. At the same time, spectral features of iron of different valence (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺) values typical of hydrated silicates were detected on Ganymede and Callisto, while probable indications of methane of presumably endogenous origin, adsorbed into water ice, were found on Europa. The reflectance spectra of the icy Galilean satellites were compared to the reflectance spectra of the asteroids 51 Nemausa (C-class) and 92 Undina (X-class).     

Librations of the Galilean satellites: The influence of global internal liquid layers

The four Galilean satellites are thought to harbor one or even two global internal liquid layers beneath their surface layer. The iron core of Io and Ganymede is most likely (partially) liquid and also the core of Europa may be liquid. Furthermore, there are strong indications for the existence of a subsurface ocean in Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Here, we investigate whether libration observations can be used to prove the existence of these liquid layers and to constrain the thickness of the overlying solid layers. For Io, the presence of a small liquid core increases the libration of the mantle by a few percent with respect to an entirely solid Io and mantle libration observations could be used to determine the mantle thickness with a precision of several tens of kilometers given that the libration amplitude can be measured with a precision of 1 m. For Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, the presence of a water ocean close to the surface increases by at least an order of magnitude the ice shell libration amplitude with respect to an entirely solid satellite. The shell libration depends essentially on the shell thickness and to a minor extent on the density difference between the ocean and the ice shell. The possible presence of a liquid core inside Europa and Ganymede has no noticeable influence on their shell libration. For a precision of several meters on the libration measurements, in agreement with the expected accuracy with the NASA/ESA EJSM orbiter mission to Europa and Ganymede, an error on the shell thickness of a few tens kilometers is expected. Therefore, libration measurements can be used to detect liquid layers such as Io’s core or water subsurface oceans in Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto and to constrain the thickness of the overlying solid surface layers.     

2.7- to 4.1-μm spectrophotometry of icy satellites of Saturn and Jupiter

We present spectrophotometry in the 27–41 μm spectral region for icy satellites of Saturn (Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Iapetus, and Hyperion) and Jupiter (Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto). The 3.6-μm reflectance peak characteristic of fine-grained water ice is observed prominently on the satellites of Saturn, faintly on the leading side of Europa, and not all on Ganymede, Callisto, or the dark side of Iapetus. The spectral reflectances of these icy satellites may be affected by their equilibrium surface temperatures and magnetospheric effects.     

Arecibo radar observations of Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and Enceladus

We have measured the bulk radar reflectance properties of the mid-size saturnian satellites Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and Enceladus with the Arecibo Observatory's 13 cm wavelength radar system during the 2004 through 2007 oppositions of the Saturn system. Comparing to the better studied icy Galilean satellites, we find that the total reflectivities of Rhea and Tethys are most similar to Ganymede while Dione is most similar to Callisto. Enceladus' reflectivity falls between those of Ganymede and Europa. The mean circular polarization ratios of the saturnian satellites range from ∼0.8 to 1.2, and are on average lower than those of the icy Galilean satellites at this wavelength although still larger than expected for single reflections off the surface. The ratio for the trailing hemisphere of Enceladus may be the exception with a value ?0.56. The 13 cm wavelength radar albedos and polarization ratios may be systematically lower than similar results from the Cassini orbiter's RADAR instrument at 2.2 cm wavelength [Ostro, S.J., and 19 colleagues, 2006. Icarus 183, 479-490]. Overall, these reflectivities and polarization properties, together with the shapes of the echo spectra, suggest subsurface multiple scattering to be the dominant reflection mechanism although operating less efficiently than on the large icy moons of Jupiter. All these saturnian moons and icy jovian moons are atmosphere-less, low temperature water ice surfaces, and any differences in radar properties may be indicative of differences in composition or the effects of various processes that modify the regolith structure. The degree of variation in radar properties with wavelength on each satellite may constrain the thickness and efficiency of the scattering layer.     

Assessment of the resonant perturbation errors in Galilean satellite ephemerides using precisely measured eclipse times

Astrometric satellite positions are derived from timings of their eclipses in the shadow of Jupiter. The 548 data points span 20 years and are accurate to about 0.006 arcsec for Io and Europa and about 0.015 arcsec or better for Ganymede and Callisto. The precision of the data set and its nearly continuous distribution in time allows measurement of regular oscillations with an accuracy of 0.001 arcsec. This level of sensitivity permits detailed evaluation of modern ephemerides and reveals anomalies at the 1.3 year period of the resonant perturbations between Io, Europa and Ganymede. The E5 ephemeris shows large errors at that period for all three satellites as well as other significant anomalies. The L1 ephemeris fits the observations much more closely than E5 but discrepancies for the resonant satellites are still apparent and the measured positions of Io are drifting away from the predictions. The JUP230 ephemeris fits the observations more accurately than L1 although there is still a measurable discordance between the predictions and observations for Europa at the resonance period.     

The radiolysis of SO2 and H2S in water ice: Implications for the icy jovian satellites

Spectra of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto reveal surfaces dominated by frozen water, hydrated materials, and minor amounts of SO₂, CO₂, and H₂O₂. These icy moons undergo significant bombardment by jovian magnetospheric radiation (protons, electrons, and sulfur and oxygen ions) which alters their surface compositions. In order to understand radiation-induced changes on icy moons, we have measured the mid-infrared spectra of 0.8 MeV proton-irradiated SO₂, H₂S, and H₂O-ice mixtures containing either SO₂ or H₂S. Samples with H₂O/SO₂ or H₂O/H₂S ratios in the 3-30 range have been irradiated at 86, 110, and 132 K, and the radiation half-lives of SO₂ and H₂S have been determined. New radiation products include the H₂S₂ molecule and HSO⁻₃, HSO⁻₄, and SO²⁻₄ ions, all with spectral features that make them candidates for future laboratory work and, perhaps, astronomical observations. Spectra of both unirradiated and irradiated ices have been recorded as a function of temperature, to examine thermal stability and phase changes. The formation of hydrated sulfuric acid in irradiated ice mixtures has been observed, along with the thermal evolution of hydrates to form pure sulfuric acid. These laboratory studies provide fundamental information on likely processes affecting the outer icy shells of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.     

Frost spectra: Comparison with Jupiter's Satellites

The near infrared spectral reflectance of pure CH₄, CO₂, H₂O, H₂S, NH₃ and NH₄SH frosts has been measured. Comparison with recent Galilean satellite spectra indicates that H₂O at approximately 150°K and with about 0.01 cm grain size is the major component on the surface of JII (Europa) and JIII (Ganymede); upper limits for the remaining frosts range from 5 to 28%. Materials other than these frosts must be present on the surface of JI (Io) and JIV (Callisto).     

A search for temporal variability in the surface chemistry of the icy Galilean satellites

The purpose of this study was to determine if any temporal variability in the broadband UV spectral properties of the icy Galilean satellites exists, and if so, to characterize its spatial distribution as a function of longitude in order to attempt to correlate any temporal changes with satellite surface interactions with the space environment. The temporal time period examined is between 1978-1984 (referred to as the 1980s data) and those from 1995-1996 (referred to as the 1990s data). The plausible temporal characteristics detected appear to vary from one satellite to the next. For Europa possible temporal variations are concentrated on the leading, anti-jovian quadrant. Example broadband UV spectra show Europa's spectral slope decreases (and darkens) with time on the leading and anti-jovian hemispheres, but remains essentially constant with time on the trailing hemisphere. The data quality does not support any definitive temporal changes for Ganymede. Possible temporal changes seen in the Callisto data set are concentrated on the jovian hemisphere. Example broadband UV spectra for Callisto show no definitive change in slope with time. The hypothesis is that these temporal differences in UV spectral properties are caused by variations in the surface ice chemistry due to temporal variability in the space environment. It is postulated that the UV spectral changes suggested for Europa may be linked to changes in H₂O₂ concentrations, whereas the changes on Callisto may be linked to variability in SO₂ concentration.     

Near-infrared spectra of the Galilean satellites: Observations and compositional implications

We have obtained reflectivity spectra of the trailing and leading sides of all four Galilean satellites with circular variable filter wheel spectrometers operating in the 0.7- to 5.5-μm spectral interval. These observations were obtained at an altitude of 41,000 ft from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Features seen in these data include a 2.9-μm band present in the spectra of both sides of Callisto; the well-known 1.5-μm and 2.0-μm combination bands and the previously more poorly defined 3.1-μm fundamental of water ice observed in the spectra of both sides of Europa and Ganymede; and features centered at 1.35 ± 0.1, 2.55 ± 0.1, and 4.05 ± 0.05 μm noted in the spectra of both sides of Io. In an effort to interpret these data, we have compared them with laboratory spectra as well as synthetic spectra constructed with a simple multiple-scattering theory. We attribute the 2.9-μm feature of Callisto's spectra primarily to bound water, with the product of fractional abundance of bound water and mean grain radius in micrometers equaling approximately 3.5 × 10^?1 for both sides of the satellite. The fractional amounts of water ice cover on the trailing side of Ganymede, its leading side, and the leading side of Europa were found to be 50 ± 15, 65 ± 15, and 85% or greater, respectively. The bare ground areas on Ganymede have reflectivity properties in the 0.7- to 2.5-μm spectral region comparable to those of Callisto's surface and also have significant quantities of bound water, as does Callisto. Interpretation of the spectrum for the trailing side of Europa is complicated by magnetospheric particle bombardment which causes a perceptible broadening of strong bands, but the ice cover on this side is probably comparable to that on the leading side. These irradiation effects may be responsible for much of the difference in the visual geometric albedos of the two sides of Europa. Minor, but significant, amounts of ferrous-bearing material (either ferrous salts or alkali feldspars but not olivines or pyroxenes) account for the 1.35-μm feature of Io. The two longer wavelength bands are most likely attributable to nitrate salts. Ferrous salts and nitrates can jointly also account for much of the spectral variation in Io's visible reflectivity, thereby eliminating the need to postulate large quantities of sulfur. The absence of noticeable features near 3-μm wavelength in Io's spectra leads to upper bounds of 10% on the fractional cover of water and ammonia ice and 10^?3 on the relative abundance of bound water and hydroxylated material on Io. The two sides of Io have similar compositions. We suggest that the systematic increase in fractional water ice cover from Callisto to Ganymede to Europa is bought about by variations in efficiencies of recoating the satellite's surface by interior water brought to the surface, and by the deposition of extrinsic dust. The most important component of the latter is debris, derived from the outer irregular satellites of Jupiter, which impacts the Galilean satellites at relatively low velocities. Europa has the largest water ice cover because its crust is thinnest and thus the frequency of water recoating is the greatest, and because it is farthest from the sources of low-velocity dust. While models which depict Io's surface as consisting primarily of very fine-grained ice are no longer viable, we are unable to definitively distinguish between the salt assemblage and alkali feldspar models. The salt model can better account for Io's reflectivity spectrum from 0.3 to 5 μm, but the absence of appreciable quantities of bound water and hydroxylated material may not be readily understood within the context of that model.     

Surface temperatures and retention of H2O frost on Ganymede and Callisto

Surface temperatures and ice evaporation rates are calculated for Ganymede and Callisto as a function of latitude, time of day, and albedo. The model uses surface thermal properties determined by eclipse radiometry (Morrison and Cruikshank, 1973Icarus18 224–236) and albedos determined from photometrically decalibrated Voyager images. Daytime temperatures on Callisto are roughly 8°K warmer than those in Ganymede's cratered terrain and 11°K warmer than those in Ganymede's grooved terrain. Diurnal mean ice evaporation rates are high enough on both bodies that the surface material probably consists of a very low density lag deposit of primarily silicate dust overlying a denser regolith of silicates and ice. The difference in temperature between Ganymede and Callisto is not great enough to account for the lack of bright polar caps on Callisto. This lack seems instead to reflect a real deficiency in the amount of available H₂O frost relative to Ganymede. The temperature difference between Ganymede's grooved and cratered terrains also cannot account for the strong concentration of bright ray craters in grooved terrain. This concentration suggests instead that an internal geologic process has enriched the grooved terrain in ice relative to the cratered terrain.     

Ganymede,Europa, Callisto,and Saturn's rings: Compositional analysis from reflectance spectroscopy

The reflectance spectra of Ganymede, Europa, Callisto, and Saturn's rings are analyzed using recent laboratory reflectance studies of water frost, water ice, and water and mineral mixtures. It is found that the spectra of the icy Galilean satellites are characteristic of water ice (e.g., ice blocks or possibly very large ice crystals ? 1 cm) or frost on ice rather than pure water frost, and that the decrease in reflectance at visible wavelengths is caused by other mineral grains in the surface. The spectra of Saturn's rings are more characteristic of water frost with some other mineral grains mixed in the frost but not on the surface. The impurities on all these objects are not in spectrally isolated patches but appear to be intimately mixed with the water. The impurity grains appear to have reflectance spectra typical of minerals containing Fe³⁺. Some carbonaceous chondrite meteorite spectra show the necessary spectral shape. Ganymede is found to have more water ice on the surface than previously thought (～90 wt%), as is Callisto (30–90 wt%). The surface of Europa has a vast frozen water surface with only a few percent impurities. Saturn's rings also have only a few percent impurities. The amount of bound water or bound OH for these objects is 5 ± 5 wt% averaged over the entire surface. Thus with the small amount of nonicy material present on these objects, no hydrated minerals can be ruled out. A new absorption feature is identified in Ganymede, Callisto, and probably Europa at 1.5 μm which is also seen in the spectra of Io but not in Saturn's rings. This feature has not been seen in laboratory studies and its cause is unknown.     

Origin,Bulk Chemical Composition And Physical Structure Of The Galilean Satellites Of Jupiter: A Post-Galileo Analysis

The origin of Jupiter and the Galilean satellite system is examinedin the light of the new data that has been obtained by the NASA Galileo Project. In particular, special attention is given to a theory of satellite origin which was put forward at the start of the Galileo Mission and on the basis of which several predictions have now been proven successful (Prentice, 1996a–c). These predictions concern the chemical composition of Jupiter's atmosphere and the physical structure of the satellites. According to the proposed theory of satellite origin, each of the Galilean satellites formed by chemical condensation and gravitational accumulation of solid grains within a concentricfamily of orbiting gas rings. These rings were cast off equatorially by the rotating proto-Jovian cloud (PJC) which contracted gravitationally to form Jupiter some 4 billion years ago. The PJC formed from the gas and grains left over from the gas ring that had been shed at Jupiter's orbit by the contracting proto-solar cloud (PSC). Supersonic turbulentconvection provides the means for shedding discrete gas rings.The temperatures T_n of the system of gas rings shed by the PSCand PJC vary with their respective mean orbital radii R_n (n = 0, 1, 2, Ϊ ) according as T_n ∝ R_n ^-0.9. If the planet Mercury condenses at 1640 K, so accounting for the high density ofthat planet via a process of chemical fractionation between iron and silicates, then T_n at Jupiter's orbit is 158 K. Only 35% of the water vapour condenses out. Thus fractionation between rock and ice, together with an enhancement in the abundance of solids relative to gas which takes place through gravitational sedimentation of solids onto the mean orbit of the gas ring, ensures nearly equal proportions of rock and ice in each of Ganymede and Callisto. Io and Europa condense above the H₂O ice point and consist solely of hydrated rock (h-rock). The Ganymedan condensate consists of h-rock and H₂O ice. For Callisto, NH₃ ice makes up ∼5% of the condensate mass next to h-rock (∼50%) and H₂O ice (∼45%). Detailed thermal and structural models for each of Europa, Ganymedeand Callisto are constructed on the basis of the above initial bulk chemicalcompositions. For Europa (E), a predicted 2-zone model consisting of a dehydrated rock core of mass 0.912M_E and a 150 km thick frozen mantle of salty H₂O yields a moment-of-inertiacoefficient which matches the Galileo Orbiter gravity measurement. For Ganymede (G), a 3-zone model possessing an inner core of solid FeS and mass ∼0.116M_G, and an outer H₂O ice mantle of mass ∼0.502M_G is needed to explain the gravity data.Ganymede's native magnetic field was formed by thermoremanent magnetization of Fe₃O₄. A new Callisto (C) model is proposed consisting of a core of mass 0.826M_C containing a uniform mixture of h-rock (60% by mass) and H₂O and NH₃ ices, and capped by a mantle of pure ice. This model may have the capacity to yield a thin layer of liquid NH₃ċ2H₂O at the core boundary, in line with Galileo's discovery of an induced magnetic field This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Icy Galilean satellite reflectance spectra: Less ice on Ganymede and Callisto?

Recent interpretations of the reflectance spectra of the icy Galilean satellites (Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) have implied very ice-rich surfaces, as high as 90 wt% ice even on the dark surface of Callisto. A reevaluation of the spectra, taking into account the depth of the 3-μm fundamental water ice absorption feature as well as the shorter wavelength bands, suggests that the spectra of at least Ganymede and Callisto may also be consistent with much lower ice abundances if the ice is segregated from the nonicy material. Reasonable fits to all band depths (including the shallow 1.04- and 1.25-μm bands) are obtained with around 50% areal coverage of ice on Ganymede and 10% on Callisto, the rest of the surface being occupied by carbonaceous chondrite-like material which has a strong 3-μm absorption due to bound water. Europa's spectrum probably indicates a homogeneous icy surface. The darkness beyond 3 μm, and lack of a 3.6-μm peak, for all three objects may be consistent with the presence of small quantities of sulfuric acid on the satellite surfaces.     

Updated Numerical Ephemerides of the Galilean Satellites of Jupiter

New versions of the ephemerides for the Galilean satellites of Jupiter (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) constructed by numerically integrating the equations of motion of the satellites are presented. The satellite motionmodel takes into account the non-sphericity of Jupiter, the mutual perturbations of the satellites, and the perturbations from the Sun and major planets. The initial satellite motion parameters have been improved based on all the available series of ground-based optical observations spanning the interval 1891-2017, spacecraft observations, and radar observations. As a result, the coefficients of the expansion of the satellite coordinates and velocities in terms of Chebyshev polynomials in the interval 1891- 2025 have been obtained. The root-mean-square errors of the observations and the graphs of comparison of the constructed ephemerides both with the observations and with Lainey's numerical ephemerides are presented. The constructed ephemerides are publicly accessible.     

Formation of the galilean satellites in a gaseous nebula

A model for Galilean satellite formation was analyzed in which the satellites accrete in the presence of a dense, gaseous disk-shaped nebula and rapidly form optically thick, gravitationally bound primordial atmospheres. Upper-bound temperatures expected during accretion lead to partially differentiated structures for both Ganymede and Callisto, although with Ganymede much more differentiated than Callisto. When allowance is made for the aerodynamic breaking of infalling planetesimal fragments, lower surface temperatures result, and the amount of partial differentiation of Callisto is small, possibly approaching zero for a narrow size distribution of infalling planetesimals. The model is chosen to be consistent with the observed densities of the Galilean satellites and our current understanding of Jupiter formation. The retention of ices more volatile than H₂O is considered but not modeled in detail. A nominal nebula of ～0.1 Jupiter masses is constructed by consideration of likely surface density profiles and existing Jupiter collapse calculations. This nebula is optically thick (even if grain opacity is ignored) in both radial and vertical directions and has a temperature profile T ～ 3600 (R_J/R), where R_J is Jupiter's radius and R is the radial distance in the disk midplane. Satellites accrete very rapidly (dynamical time scales being 10²–10⁴ years) and their optically thick gaseous envelopes are unable to eliminate the heat of accretion by radiation. Water-saturated, convective, adiabatic envelopes form, through which planetesimals fall, break up, and partially disseminate their mass. The resulting satellite surface temperatures during accretion are calculated. Possible implications of these models for the subsequent evolution of Ganymede and Callisto are explored and it is suggested that the extensive differentiation undergone by Ganymede may provide the right environment for subsequent resurfacing, whereas the relative lack of extensive differentiation for Callisto may explain the inferred absence of endogenic tectonism.