Scientific Objectives

The Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) is part of the remote sensing payload of the Cassini Orbiter spacecraft.

UVIS science objectives include investigation of the:

Chemistry, clouds, and energy balance of the Titan and Saturn atmospheres Neutrals in the magnetosphere Surfaces and tenuous atmospheres of icy satellites Deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) ratio for Titan and Saturn Structure and evolution of Saturn's rings

The UVIS has two spectrographic channels that provide images and spectra covering the ranges from 56 to 118 nm and 110 to 190 nm. A third optical path with a solar blind CsI photocathode is used for high signal-to-noise-ratio stellar occultations by rings and atmospheres. A separate hydrogen - deuterium absorption cell (HDAC) measures the relative abundance of D/H from their Lyman-alpha emission.

 

 

 

 

 

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