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Io's fast sodium: Implications for molecular and atomic atmospheric escapeRecent observational evidence for sodium-bearing molecular ions in the Io plasma torus has strong implications for the nature of Io's atmosphere (Schneider et al. 1991). We use a Monte Carlo model offast-sodium production to analyze high-resolution ground-based images of sodium emission. We find the observations can be explained if a significant fraction of Io's exobase is molecular, possible including a sodium-bearing molecule, Total sodium loss rates from Io imply a collisionally thick atmosphere. Most of the images indicate significant slow-down of the corotating plasma near Io.
Document ID
19950054937
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Wilson, Jody K.
(Univ. of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO United States)
Schneider, Nicholas M.
(Univ. of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 111
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
95A86536
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2484
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2492
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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