LBT SHARK-VIS Observes a Major Resurfacing Event on Io

TL;DR

This paper reports the highest resolution ground-based images of Io, revealing a major resurfacing event caused by volcanic activity, demonstrating the capabilities of the SHARK-VIS instrument with adaptive optics.

Contribution

It presents the first high-resolution visible wavelength images of Io's surface from the ground, showing a significant volcanic resurfacing event and advancing observational capabilities.

Findings

Detected a major resurfacing event on Io's surface.

Observed a plume deposit covering previous volcanic deposits.

Demonstrated the effectiveness of adaptive optics in high-resolution planetary imaging.

Abstract

Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes on Io's surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes. Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a ground-based telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io's trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io's surface using adaptive optics at visible wavelengths.