Keck Near-Infrared AO Observation of Io in 2011

Abstract:

We report observation and analysis of 23 distinct hot spots on Io from images taken in November of 2011 on the 10-m W.M. Keck II telescope. The observations were obtained with 8 different near-infrared (1-5 μm) filters, although no hot spots were detected at the smallest wavelength filters of Hc (1.58 μm) and Kc (2.27 μm). The radiant flux of each hot spot at the different wavelengths was found, which allowed for 1-T and 2-T blackbody fits to obtain estimates of the temperature, emission area, and subsequently, the total radiant output. Global maps over a cylindrical coordinate system were also constructed at each wavelength.

In general, Io appeared to be fairly quiescent compared to datasets obtained between 2001 and 2010, with no significant outburst at any particular hot spot. Using GIS software it was possible to create surface maps that display the changes in some of the major hot spots observed between 2001 and 2011. The analysis of these maps and comparison to observations at different time periods will help to further construct a timeline of Io’s volcanic activity, which will lead to a better understanding of the variations in surface heat flow over time, the global distribution of hot spots, and the style of eruptions.