A New Spoke Formation Model

Details A New Spoke Formation Model A New Spoke Formation Model

Sep 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006dps....38.4214j&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #38, #42.14; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 38, p.562

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

We propose a new model for the formation of spokes in Saturn's rings. The model involves the electrostatic charging of sub-micron dust grains in the rings by magnetic field-aligned electron beams. Such beams have recently been observed by the MIMI instrument aboard Cassini at 3.1 Saturn radii, outside the main ring system. It is reasonable to expect the beams to also occur closer to the planet. We contend that on striking the rings, the electron beams’ dust-charging effects cause the levitation of the fine grains above the main ring plane, forming the spokes. Using a semi-quantitative model, we explain the spokes’ formation locations, their initial morphologies, and the subsequent development of their appearance as reported in studies based on Voyager observations. Controlling effects on the spokes’ locations are also proposed. We outline tests that can be carried out using Cassini datasets to gauge the validity of our proposed formation process.
MIMI/LEMMS work at MPS is financed by the German Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, and by the Max Planck Gesellschaft.

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