Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996jgr...10115211m&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 101, Issue A7, p. 15211-15232
Physics
28
Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetospheric Physics: Energetic Particles, Trapped, Magnetospheric Physics: Planetary Magnetospheres, Magnetospheric Physics: Plasmasphere
Scientific paper
We present a comprehensive analysis of Voyager 1 and 2 electron observations within Saturn's magnetosphere. This analysis entails the merging of electron observations from the Plasma Science (PLS) experiment, the Low Energy Charged Particle (LECP) experiment and the Cosmic Ray System (CRS) experiment. For each encounter, the three instruments combined allow us to compute the electron energy spectra over a wide range of energies from 10 eV to ~2 MeV between the closest approaches and L=18.5. The instruments use different technologies, different sensitivities, and different fields of view; however, we observe a surprisingly good matching of the data sets on a 15-min timescale. The PLS-LECP-CRS spectra include the low-energy thermal component of the magnetospheric plasma, the keV suprathermal electrons, and the high-energy tail extending into the MeV energy range. From the combined spectra, we compute a comprehensive set of macroscopic parameters (electron density, pressure, beta factor, and electron current at the spacecraft): the analysis reveals a variety of radial gradients for these quantities and the corresponding electron populations. We also compute phase space densities over a wide range in energy and radial distances, analyzing local time symmetries, electron source distributions, and temporal variations of Saturn's magnetosphere. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive empirical model of the charged particle population within Saturn's magnetosphere. It will be used to support the development of the Cassini mission and to allow detailed planning of the tour design with regard to charged particle science and radiation hazards.
Blanc Michel
Cooper John F.
Mauk Barry H.
Maurice Sylestre
Selenick R. S.
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