Near-Infrared Observations of the Outer Jovian Satellites

February 2000 • 2000Icar..143..371S

Authors • Sykes, Mark V. • Nelson, Brant • Cutri, Roc M. • Kirkpatrick, Davy J. • Hurt, Robert • Skrutskie, Michael F.

Abstract • On September 21, 1998, the outer jovian satellites Himalia (J6), Elara (J7), Carme (J11), Pasiphae (J8), and Sinope (J9) were detected in the J, H, and K_s bandpasses in the course of the Two-Micron All Sky Survey. Similarities in near-infrared colors are consistent with the hypothesis that the outer satellites in prograde orbits are fragments of a captured C-type asteroid. The retrograde satellites in general exhibit considerable diversity. The nondetection of retrograde Ananke is significant in that it requires visible to near-infrared reddening close to that of prograde Himalia and very different from the other retrograde satellites. It is suggested that the retrograde jovian satellites are fragments of a captured parent body more heterogeneous than the prograde parent. Alternatively, it is suggested that the retrograde satellites arose from more than one retrograde capture event and possible subsequent fragmentation.

Links

• ELECTR http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/icar.1999.6269