Windows of Habitability in the Jovian System From Coupled Thermal-Orbital Evolution Models

这个项目是研究伽利略卫星系统(木卫一、木卫二、木卫三和木卫四)内的热传递、轨道动力学和潮汐耗散的综合效应。开发具有可变性质和内部加热的球壳热对流的高效计算机代码是这项工作的主要重点。开发的计算机代码正被用来模拟潮汐相互作用系统的演变，以便对液态水可能存在的地点和时间施加限制。这样的环境可能为生命提供栖息地。此外，冰和硅酸盐融化成热对流计算的热力学行为也将适用于其他地球物理换热问题。从木卫一和木卫三核心流出的热流计算将有助于理解伽利略号航天器探测到的磁信号。这些信息将有助于规划未来对这些潜在栖息地的探索。该项目是美国国家科学基金会极端环境生命(Lexen)计划的一部分。资金由NSF天文科学部、恒星天文学和天体物理学(AST/SAA)计划、生物科学微生物学(BIO/MCB)计划和化学部(CHE)提供。

ABSTRACTP.I.: Moore, William Proposal Number: AST-9978225"LExEn: Windows of Habitability in the Jovian System from Coupled Thermal-Orbital Evolution Models"This project is an investigation of the combined effects of heat transfer, orbital dynamics and tidal dissipation within the Galilean moon system (Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto). Developing efficient computer codes for spherical-shell thermal convection with variable properties and internal heating is the primary focus of the effort. The computer code developed is being used to model the evolution of tidally interacting systems in order to place constraints on where and when liquid water may exist. Such environments may provide habitats for life. In addition, the thermomechanical behavior of ice and silicates undergoing melting into thermal convection calculation will be applicable to other geophysical heat transfer problems. The calculation of heat flow out of the cores of Io and Ganymede will help understand the magnetic signatures detected by the Galileo spacecraft. This information will aid the planning of future exploration of these potential habitats.This project is part of the NSF Life in Extreme Environments (LExEn) program. Funding is provided by the NSF Division of Astronomical Science Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA) program, the Division of Biological Sciences Microbiology (BIO/MCB) program, and the Division of Chemistry (CHE).