Dr. Fran Bagenal
University of Colorado-Boulder
Jupiter is a planet of superlatives: the most massive planet in the
solar system, rotates the fastest, has the strongest magnetic field, and
has the most massive satellite system of any planet. These unique properties
lead to volcanoes on Io and the existence of energetic plasma in the Jovian
system that provides a physical link between the satellites, particularly
Io, and Jupiter. Although it has been know for over 30 years that Io modulates
Jupiter's radio emissions, only very recently has the direct connection
been demonstrated. This talk presents recent explorations of Jupiter's
vast and dynamic magnetosphere by Galileo, Hubble Space Telescope
and Cassini.
Dr. Bagenal is a professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Funding for this lecture is provided by Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectureships Endowment Fund and the Department of Chemistry & Physics at Arkansas State University.