NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0391
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0391 |
|
PI: John Spencer, Southwest Research Institute, spencer@boulder.swri.edu
Address: Dept. Space Studies, 1050 Walnut St., Suite 300, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Title: A Search for Molecular Oxygen on Enceladus
Abstract: We propose to search for condensed molecular O_2 on Enceladus, the active ice moon of Saturn, via its 5770 and 6250 \AA absorption bands. These bands have been detected on the icy Galilean satellites of Jupiter but not previously on the Saturnian satellites. O_2, if detected, would be an important constraint on the composition and oxidation state of the surface of Enceladus, as well as a potential source of chemical energy for the proposed possible Enceladan biosphere.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0391 |
|