Near-infrared spectroscopy of Himalia

We present the first spectrum through the L band of an irregular satellite from the outer Solar System. Spectra of Himalia (JVI) were obtained with the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) onboard the Cassini spacecraft. The Himalia spectrum is essentially featureless, showing a slight red slope and the suggestion of an absorption at 3 μm that might indicate the presence of water in some form. Better measurements of the spectrum of Himalia, particularly in the region of the apparent 3-μm band, could help determine whether water is present, and if so, in what form.