NEOWISE: OBSERVATIONS of the IRREGULAR SATELLITES of JUPITER and SATURN

T. Grav, J. M. Bauer, A. K. Mainzer, J. R. Masiero, C. R. Nugent, R. M. Cutri, S. Sonnett, E. Kramer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present thermal model fits for 11 Jovian and 3 Saturnian irregular satellites based on measurements from the WISE/NEOWISE data set. Our fits confirm spacecraft-measured diameters for the objects with in situ observations (Himalia and Phoebe) and provide diameters and albedo for 12 previously unmeasured objects, 10 Jovian and 2 Saturnian irregular satellites. The best-fit thermal model beaming parameters are comparable to what is observed for other small bodies in the outer solar system, while the visible, W1, and W2 albedos trace the taxonomic classifications previously established in the literature. Reflectance properties for the irregular satellites measured are similar to the Jovian Trojan and Hilda Populations, implying common origins.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume809
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 10 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • infrared: planetary systems
  • planets and satellites: detection
  • planets and satellites: fundamental parameters
  • surveys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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