The icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn are among the most compelling targets in the search for habitable environments beyond Earth. Our research focuses on understanding the surface composition, thermal properties, and geological processes of these fascinating worlds.

Europa Titan
(Left) Europa's icy surface hides a global subsurface ocean. (Right) Titan's thick atmosphere obscures a complex surface with lakes and seas of liquid methane.

Europa

Jupiter’s moon Europa harbors a global subsurface ocean beneath its icy shell. We study Europa’s surface composition and thermal environment to understand the exchange between the ocean and surface, and to prepare for future exploration missions.

Titan

Saturn’s largest moon Titan has a dense atmosphere and surface lakes of liquid methane and ethane. Our research uses spectroscopic observations to probe Titan’s atmospheric structure and surface composition through solar occultation experiments.

Further information:

  • Hayne, P. O., McCord, T. B., & Sotin, C. (2014). Titan's surface composition and atmospheric transmission with solar occultation measurements by Cassini VIMS. Icarus, 243, 158–172. Link
  • Barnes, J. W., Buratti, B. J., Turtle, E. P., ..., Hayne, P. O., et al. (2013). Precipitation-induced surface brightenings seen on Titan by Cassini VIMS and ISS. Planetary Science, 2, 1. Link
  • McCord, T. B., Hansen, G. B., Combe, J.-P., & Hayne, P. O. (2010). Hydrated minerals on Europa's surface: An improved look from the Galileo NIMS investigation. Icarus, 209, 639–650. Link
  • Barnes, J. W., ..., Hayne, P. O., et al. (2009). VIMS spectral mapping observations of Titan during the Cassini prime mission. Planetary and Space Science, 57, 1950–1962. Link
  • McCord, T. B., Hayne, P., et al. (2008). Titan's surface: Search for spectral diversity and composition using the Cassini VIMS investigation. Icarus, 194, 212–242. Link