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OATS-DAUT SEMINAR
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Speaker: Nick Schneider (University of Colorado, Boulder)

Title: Jupiter's Magnetosphere: A Volcano-Powered Nebula

Date: Friday, May 11th, 2007
Time: 12:00
Venue: Villa Bazzoni

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Abstract: The presence of extreme volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io has profound consequences on the entire jovian system. One of the most fascinating is the creation of a torus of heavy-ion plasma encircling Jupiter. This plasma torus is analogous to many astrophysical nebulae, but its study by telescope and spacecraft offers some cautionary lessons on interpretation. I will describe the origin of this plasma as well as its impact, both literal and figurative, on Jupiter and its other satellites. I will end by comparing Io with Saturn's moon Enceladus, recently discovered by the Cassini spacecraft to undergo equally remarkable activity.
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