1. Hydrogen peroxide on the surface of Europa.
- Author
-
Carlson RW, Anderson MS, Johnson RE, Smythe WD, Hendrix AR, Barth CA, Soderblom LA, Hansen GB, McCord TB, Dalton JB, Clark RN, Shirley JH, Ocampo AC, and Matson DL
- Subjects
- Hydrogen Peroxide chemistry, Ice, Spectrophotometry, Infrared, Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet, Water chemistry, Extraterrestrial Environment, Hydrogen Peroxide analysis, Jupiter
- Abstract
Spatially resolved infrared and ultraviolet wavelength spectra of Europa's leading, anti-jovian quadrant observed from the Galileo spacecraft show absorption features resulting from hydrogen peroxide. Comparisons with laboratory measurements indicate surface hydrogen peroxide concentrations of about 0.13 percent, by number, relative to water ice. The inferred abundance is consistent with radiolytic production of hydrogen peroxide by intense energetic particle bombardment and demonstrates that Europa's surface chemistry is dominated by radiolysis.
- Published
- 1999
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