Jupiter’s aurora and Io’s volcano Development of Planetary high-resolution Echelle spectrograph

We are developing a near-infrared camera (TOPICS) and a high-dispersion Echelle spectrograph (wavelength resolution ~20,000) for near-infrared observations installed on the Haleakala T60 telescope. These near-infrared observations will enable the observations of Jupiter’s infrared auroras and volcanic activity on Io. By combining these observations with visible observation of the T60 telescope, we aim to elucidate the material and energy transport mechanisms within the Jupiter’s magnetosphere.

In addition, this instrument apply to detect trace gas components (methane, hydrogen peroxide, HDO/H₂O) that contribute to the understanding of the physical mechanisms of the Martian atmospheric environment, including dust storms.

This ground-based observation is also significant for future collaborative observations with space probes such as the Jupiter exploration mission JUICE and the Mars exploration mission MMX. Written by SAKANOI, Takeshi