Exploring Jupiter´s icy and volcanic moons with aurora observations

Purpose and goal

The main purpose of the project was to advance the understanding of the auroae of the Galilean moons of Jupiter and thereby of their environments and interiors as well as for the fellow to establish himself as an independent researcher and teacher. Furthermore, the development of a close collaboration between the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in Texas and KTH in Sweden was envisioned. The vast majority of the objectives in research and development planned for the project were achieved.

Expected results and effects

As for the research, important findings were achieved, including a confirmation of the subsurface ocean inside the moon Ganymede and the first detection of hydrogen in atmospheres of moons Europa and Callisto. The research results were published in eight peer-reviewed papers and received great attention. Further proposals for new observations and project funding were granted guaranteeing the continuation of the successful research. The fellow is on the way to tenure track position in academia in Sweden.

Planned approach and implementation

The first half year, the fellow was working at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, USA, focusing on data analysis and development of managing skills. In the second half-year of the project the fellow moved to Sweden to continue the research at KTH and start developing as a teacher in academia. Several longer mutual visits over several weeks of the fellow himself and a student from KTH as well as from senior and junior researchers from SwRI manifested an extensive collaboration between the partner institutes.