Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-01-20
Lamy, L., et al. (2010), Properties of Saturn kilometric radiation measured within its source region, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37,
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1029/2010GL043415
On 17 October 2008, the Cassini spacecraft crossed the southern sources of Saturn kilometric radiation (SKR), while flying along high-latitude nightside magnetic field lines. In situ measurements allowed us to characterize for the first time the source region of an extra-terrestrial auroral radio emission. Using radio, magnetic field and particle observations, we show that SKR sources are surrounded by a hot tenuous plasma, in a region of upward field-aligned currents. Magnetic field lines supporting radio sources map a continuous, high-latitude and spiral-shaped auroral oval observed on the dawnside, consistent with enhanced auroral activity. Investigating the Cyclotron Maser Instability (CMI) as a mechanism responsible for SKR generation, we find that observed cutoff frequencies are consistent with radio waves amplified perpendicular to the magnetic field by hot (6 to 9 keV) resonant electrons, measured locally.
Andre Nicolas
Arridge Chris
Cecconi Baptiste
Coates Andrew J.
Dougherty K. M. K. M.
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