Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994icar..111..193f&link_type=abstract
Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035), vol. 111, no. 1, p. 193-210
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
10
Asymmetry, Azimuth, Brightness Distribution, Neptune (Planet), Particle Size Distribution, Planetary Rings, Astronomical Photometry, Dynamic Models, Flyby Missions, Mathematical Models, Radiative Transfer, Voyager 2 Spacecraft
Scientific paper
A systematic analysis and quantitative photometric study of the Voyager 2 images of the neptunian narrow rings has been made in order to constrain their physical properties. The Le Verrier ring and approximately 90% of the Adams ring appear homogeneous. The Courage, Liberte, Egalite, and Fraternite arcs consist of families of clumps which contain unresolved bright ojects (less than 7 km). The brightest clumps are typically separated by 2000 km. Adams and Le Verrier rings have similar dust fractions, assuming that they have the same particle size distribution and composition, while arcs seem to be richer in larger particles (greater than 100 microns). Arcs and clumps contain large particles embedded in dust, which contributes 50 to 95% of the total optical depth. Among various composition of particles, slightly contaminated water ice is the best candidate to explain the observations. Amorphous carbon is plausible, too. This new image of the neptunian arcs throws a new light on the problem of their origin and stability. It also gives constraints not yet explained by current dynamical models.
Brahic Andre
Ferrari Cecile
No associations
LandOfFree
Azimuthal brightness asymmetries in planetary rings. 1: Neptune's arcs and narrow 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 Azimuthal brightness asymmetries in planetary rings. 1: Neptune's arcs and narrow rings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Azimuthal brightness asymmetries in planetary rings. 1: Neptune's arcs and narrow rings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1790834