North is to the top of the image, which is centered at 33.7 degrees north latitude and 81.9 degrees west longitude. The color images are illuminated from almost directly behind the Galileo spacecraft. Lower resolution context was provided by images acquired during earlier Galileo orbits. Numerous linear features in the center of the mosaic and toward the poles may have formed in response to tides strong enough to fracture Europa's icy surface. Bright white spots near the western limb are the ejecta blankets of young impact craters.
North is to the top of the picture and the sun illuminates the surface from the left.
The image, centered at 0 latitude and 10 longitude, covers an area approximately 2,500 by 3,000 kilometers. The Galileo Europa Mission - fact sheet, frequently asked questions and more. Next Launch A Lockheed Martin Athena 1 will launch the Kodiak Star mission for NASA and the Air Force no sooner than Saturday from Kodiak Island, Alaska. Visit the Tracking Station for a full listing of upcoming launches.