Characterizing the Mysterious Linear Virgae Across the Mid-sized Satellites in the Saturnian System

Characterizing the mysterious linear virgae across the mid-size satellites in the Saturnian system, Linear virgae have not been discussed in the literature likely due to their difficulty in being detected. The albedo contrasts between the LV and the background is commonly very small making them easy to over look. Additionally, these features are commonly so linear that they can easily be mistaken for image seams. However, Linear Virgae identified here are all visible on multiple images but always located in the same place on the surface ruling out that possible artifact.

We aim to survey the surfaces of the mid-sized Saturnian satellites to determine where additional linear virgae exist and to characterize their distribution and morphology across the Saturnian system. This analysis will enable comparison of linear virgae across the Saturnian system to determine if they have a common origin. If our proposed analysis points to an endogenic formation mechanism, it would suggest a process common to each of the the mid-sized icy satellites implying that they are experiencing very recent geologic activity. Similarly, and exogenic origin would suggest a system-wide process affect the surface of each of the mid-sized icy satellites indicating a dynamic environment around Saturn.

Objective 1: Characterize the distribution, lengths, widths, and morphology of linear virgae on each body in which they are observed.

Methodology: Using Cassini ISS data archived in the PDS, we will obtain the complete set of images from the mid-sized icy satellites at resolutions better than 1 km/pixel of: Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, and Iapetus. The Cassini mission has completed its imaging campaign of these satellites and as such, the PDS hosts the full suite of all necessary data. Images will be processed using the USGS ISIS software and will be systematically surveyed to locate possible additional linear virgae. Using an ArcGIS environment, we will map locations and trends and characterize individual features across all bodies to enhance spatial analysis. Lighting conditions from images with positive detections will also be recorded so that we can better characterize how these features can be observed in the future.