What will Cassinis Science Instruments Do at Phoebe?
The Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) will collect images with an anticipated resolution of up to 15 meters (49 feet) per pixel. These data will help determine surface properties, geological history, surface age, body shape, local topography, and distribution of surface materials. Multi-color mapping of almost the entire surface at 0.3 to 2.1 kilometers (0.2 to 1.3 miles) per pixel is planned. The Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) will obtain the first ever resolved spectra of the surface of Phoebe, up to 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) per pixel at closest approach, with full range 0.4 to 5-micron spectra. This data will be used to derive detailed maps of Phoebe’s surface, allowing scientists to understand what materials lie on the satellite’s surface. Phoebe is a fascinating target for the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS), due to its unusual surface composition compared to most of the icy satellites, and its warm temperatures, which will provide significant signal to noi
