The Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) aboard the Galileo spacecraft acquired hyperspectral images of Europa’s surface, revealing the distribution of water ice and hydrated minerals across this ocean world.

Dataset Information

Property Value
Source Galileo NIMS
Target Europa surface
Type Hyperspectral imaging
Wavelength 0.7–5.2 μm

Scientific Background

Europa’s surface is dominated by water ice, but NIMS observations revealed additional spectral features indicating the presence of hydrated minerals and other non-ice materials. These hydrated compounds may provide clues about the composition of Europa’s subsurface ocean and its potential for habitability.

Dataset Contents

This dataset includes processed NIMS hyperspectral cubes with:

  • Calibrated reflectance spectra
  • Spatial coverage maps
  • Derived compositional products

Detailed format documentation to be provided with data release.

Status

Coming soon: This dataset is being prepared for public release.

Further information:

  • 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