Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS)

The Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) is a scientific instrument used to analyze the composition of planetary surfaces by measuring light in the near-infrared spectrum. It captures detailed images and spectral data revealing minerals, ices, and gases based on how they absorb and reflect sunlight. Installed on spacecraft like NASA's Galileo mission to Jupiter, NIMS helps scientists identify surface materials, detect volcanic activity, and study planetary geology and atmospheres. Essentially, it acts as a cosmic "fingerprint reader," providing valuable insights into the chemical makeup of celestial bodies from a distance.