Eclipses and occultations of Io by Jupiter are used to enhance sensitivity to faint volcanos and to provide spatial resolution across the disk, even in poor seeing. Since 1995, we have obtained useful information on Io's volcanic activity on over 200 nights. Two large outbursts have been seen, and several smaller eruptions lasting a few weeks, at sites where activity had not been seen before. Whenever possible, we also obtain 1.6 - 5 micron images of Jupiter to support the Galileo mission. These are analyzed by Glenn Orton and his colleagues.
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The color is artificial, and Jupiter, which is very dark due to CH4 absorption, has been artificially brightened. Discovery of hotspots on Io using disk-resolved infrared imaging. Nature 348 618-621. Volcanic activity on Io at the time of the Ulysses encounter. Preliminary results of earth-based observations of the Galileo probe entry site.