Characterize Ganymede’s inner structure

Characterize the inner structure of Ganymede, including the thickness and composition of its conductive and convective ice layers, subsurface ocean, any high-pressure ice phases, and underlying rocky and metallic components, to determine whether compositionally distinct subsurface material exists that could be brought to the surface by impacts.

Background

The paper’s proposed dark matter impact signatures rely on the premise that subsurface layers of Ganymede contain compositionally distinct materials that could be liberated and brought to the surface by high-energy, penetrating impacts.

Future missions like Europa Clipper and JUICE are highlighted as crucial for probing Ganymede’s interior and validating assumptions about its differentiated structure and potential compositional contrasts.