Seismometers on the satellites of the Outer Solar System

Abstract

The icy moons of the Outer Solar System are extremely interesting planetary bodies since they possess evidence about the origin and evolution of their systems and the Solar System in general. In terms of surface morphology, internal structure as well as their environmental uniqueness, Saturn's moons Titan and Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa and Io are the best representatives in that perspective. In this study, we propose a seismic experiment for the icy moons as a payload of future missions' landers. This suite of instruments comprises a gas monitoring sensor (micro Gas-Chromatograph) which will operate along with the seismic sensor. Data from the micro Gas-Chromatograph will give us the opportunity to correlate each time the recorded seismic data of the current gas-relief activity. We also suggest possible target areas with internal dynamic potential and multivariable surface expressions. Hence, it will be possible to identify active regions on the satellites, which will provide important information regarding the fluid transfer processes towards the surface as well as the presence of a subsurface liquid deposit.