Io, its atmosphere and optical emissions

Abstract

The paper outlines current understanding of phenomena associated with Io's atmosphere and optical emissions, along with a review of their relationships. The discussion covers the sodium D-line emission from Io, the ultraviolet emission observed from Pioneer 10, other optical emission lines, and future observational work on Io's line emission. Analysis of Io's ionosphere indicates that the atmosphere may be cooler than the observed sodium and that the exobase probably stands well above Io's surface. Also discussed is Io as a source of hydrogen and as a source of sodium. The observed electron profiles and the constraints provided by the emission cloud are consistent with two models of Io's neutral atmosphere. In the first model, hydrogen is supplied by dissociation of ammonia, whereas proton charge exchange is the primary source of hydrogen in the second model. Both models have the common feature that meteoritic impact or sputtering of the surface provides a source for sodium.