The 1997 Mutual Event Occultations of Io
R. R. Howell (U. of Wyoming), J. R. Spencer, J. A. Stansberry (Lowell Observatory)
The 1997 series of mutual events includes a large number of
occultations of Io by other Galilean satellites, which are being
observed in the 3-5 micron region at Lowell Observatory and the
Wyoming Infrared Observatory. Photometry of hotspot occultations
currently provides the highest infrared spatial resolution possible
either from the ground or from spacecraft. Furthermore, this series
of events fortunately is occurring during a brightening of Loki and
during the Galileo mission. The high resolution data can provide
important constraints on the nature of the volcanic activity.
Although the observing weather for the events during March and April
has been disappointing some data were obtained during the event on
March 28, and additional observations are scheduled for events on
June 13, 21, and 28. Further observations are planned for events
during the late summer and fall. In addition to presenting the
expected 1997 data, this paper will discuss analysis techniques for
mutual event data using the 1991 series of observations, which also
occurred during a Loki brightening.