Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufm.p13b1669e&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #P13B-1669
Physics
[6265] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Planetary Rings
Scientific paper
Cassini observed the Saturn Equinox of 2009, providing a unique geometry and unexpected findings: 1. The oblique lighting exposed vertical ring structure and embedded objects; 2. Saturn's Rings were the coldest ever; 3. Cassini images inspired new occultation and spectral analysis of ring structures like those in the images. Steady progress and new discoveries continue after the equinox. We can now recognize some aspects of a 'Post-Equinox View': 1. Cassini equinox observations show Saturn's rings as a complex geophysical system, incompletely modeled as a single-phase fluid; 2. Self-gravity causes wakes, viscosity, overstabilty and local aggregate growth; 3. Larger fragments provide the seeds for growth of new aggregates; 4. The F ring may be the easiest place to observe aggregation/disaggregation. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of ring dynamics, origin and history: 1. Self-gravity plays a large role; 2. Accretion continues today in rings A, B, C and F, that can renew the ring material; 3. Resonance forcing and Kepler shear provide the energy for a multitude of dynamics; 4. Structure forms throughout the rings, at scales from meters to kilometers Questions that we now can address following the equinox: 1. Is the red color of the rings caused by Carbon or nano-hematite? 2. Are the rings young or old? 3. Can we estimate the B ring mass from haloes, or from precession of CD ringlets? 4. Or must we wait until the ring gravity is evident during Cassini's final orbits? 5. What is the relative contribution of deterministic and stochastic forcing in creating the observed structure? 6. Do moons continue to form today? I will review these new findings, questions and possible paths to answers. Those who attend my poster will be asked for their own views.
No associations
LandOfFree
A Post-Equinox View of Saturn's Rings does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Post-Equinox View of Saturn's Rings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Post-Equinox View of Saturn's Rings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-868234