Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992hst..prop.3644s&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #3644
Physics
Hst Proposal Id #3644
Scientific paper
We propose to observe the Saturn magnetosphere to investigate the abundance and distribution of the hydroxyl radical (OH). This species is diagnostic of basic properties of the magnetosphere and erosion rates of the icy satellites and rings. The presence of significant numbers of heavy neutrals in the magnetosphere have been inferred from energy loss rates required to explain the observed population of cold electrons. If this interpretation is correct large source rates are required. We have constructed a physical chemistry model for the Saturn magnetosphere that predicts neutral and plasma species partitioning. The parametric requirements to match observed plasma conditions with this model results in the prediction of large amounts of neutral oxygen and moderate amounts of OH, with sensitivity to ion diffusive loss rates. The abundance of OH inside 8 Saturn radii is predicted to be observable with HST through its fluorescent emission centered near 3085A. Direct estimates of OH densities, coupled with the chemical kinetic model, will provide a definitive constraint on icy satellite erosion rates.
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