Search for Jovian decametric emission induced by Europa on the extensive Nançay Decameter Array catalog

Abstract

Context. The electrodynamic interaction between the Galilean satellites and the Jovian magnetosphere generates Alfvén wings that connect the satellites to the polar atmosphere of Jupiter and induce auroral radiation through the cyclotron-maser instability. The satellite control of the Jovian decametric emission is widely known and has been studied since the 1960s, being first discovered with regard to Io and, more recently, Ganymede. The partial control of these emission by Europa and Callisto, however, has not yet been confirmed, however, hints of this control have already been found. Aims. The goal of this work is to search for evidence of control of the Jovian decametric emission by the satellite Europa. Methods. For this purpose, we analyzed the extensive digital catalog of Jovian decametric emission detected by the Nançay Decameter Array from 1990 to 2020. We analyzed distributions of the occurrence probability of the emission not induced by Io nor by Ganymede as a function of Europa phase and of the Array’s longitude with regard to the Jovian central meridian of longitude. Results. As a result, we selected 267 possible Europa-induced emission, from which 186 are from source A (Eu-A), 56 are from source C (Eu-C), and 25 are from source D (Eu-D). The general maximum frequency and duration of these emission are presented and compared to those of the other emission in the catalog and their average power is estimated as a function of the average power of the Io-induced emission. Conclusions. We conclude that Europa, just as in the case of Io and Ganymede, induces a portion of the Jovian decametric emission.