|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Ganymede Topography
This perspective view, simulating a low altitude flight over
the surface of Ganymede, was made possible by topographic
analysis of stereo images of the Sippar Sulcus region. Such a
view was made possible when Galileo passed Ganymede in May
1997, providing a virtual second "eye" to Voyager's first view
in 1979.
Because this view covers a large area, it reveals that
younger, smoother terrains are low-lying relative to older,
heavily faulted terrains. The consistently low elevations of
these smooth deposits has been cited as evidence for flooding
of parts of Ganymede by
low-viscosity lavas, most likely liquid water or water-ice
slush.
This view is centered at 35 degrees south, 180 degrees west.
The smallest features visible are roughly 350 to 400 meters
(1,150 to 1,300 feet) across.
This image was prepared by the Lunar and Planetary Institute,
Houston, and included in a report by Dr. Paul Schenk et al. in
the March 1, 2001, edition of the journal Nature.
Image Credit: NASA and Lunar and Planetary Institute
|
|
|
|
