In a thrilling journey to understand the icy giants of our solar system, the ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission is set to provide unprecedented insights into the surfaces and tenuous atmospheres of Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. These fascinating Galilean moons, known for their potential to host life and complex geological features, have long captivated researchers and space enthusiasts alike.

Recent studies and ongoing space exploration efforts, which include data from various spacecraft and advanced telescopic observations, have painted a detailed picture of these moons' surfaces. The volcanic and tectonic history revealed through their surface geology serves as a crucial indicator of each moon's evolutionary journey, shaped significantly by internal heating resulting from tidal interactions with Jupiter.

The composition of these surfaces tells an extraordinary story of both endogenous and exogenous processes. Notably, the internal geophysical activities hint at the possibility of shallow subsurface liquid water, perhaps connected to even more substantial oceans lurking deeper beneath the ice. This tantalizing prospect raises the stakes in the quest for extraterrestrial life, making the upcoming JUICE mission all the more critical.

The atmospheres of these icy moons are equally intriguing, albeit tenuous, and primarily generated through the interaction of charged particles with their surfaces. Europa's atmosphere is particularly remarkable due to the detection of mysterious plumes of water vapor—phenomena that remain poorly understood and are ripe for exploration. Scientists are eager for JUICE to closely study these plumes, which could provide vital clues about Europa's potential habitability.

In the article, we delve into three main discussions: the geological characterization of the surfaces, the analysis of near-surface atmospheres, and the planning and objectives that JUICE aims to achieve. The JUICE Working Group 2 (WG2) has meticulously crafted observation plans and potential coverage maps, showcasing the mission's ambitious scientific goals.

As the JUICE mission prepares for launch, anticipation builds within the scientific community and beyond. What secrets will these icy worlds reveal? How will the findings shape our understanding of planetary formation and the potential for life elsewhere? Stay tuned, as we eagerly await the groundbreaking discoveries that could redefine our place in the universe and unveil the mysteries hidden beneath the icy crusts of Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto!