Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-01-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in ICARUS 17 pages, 6 figures, 1 table
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.icarus.2008.12.036
Since 2004, observations of Saturn's F ring have revealed that the ring's core is surrounded by structures with radial scales of hundreds of kilometers, called "spirals" and "jets". Gravitational scattering by nearby moons was suggested as a potential production mechanism; however, it remained doubtful because a population of Prometheus-mass moons is needed and, obviously, such a population does not exist in the F ring region. We investigate here another mechanism: dissipative physical collisions of kilometer-size moonlets (or clumps) with the F-ring core. We show that it is a viable and efficient mechanism for producing spirals and jets, provided that massive moonlets are embedded in the F-ring core and that they are impacted by loose clumps orbiting in the F ring region, which could be consistent with recent data from ISS, VIMS and UVIS. We show also that coefficients of restitution as low as ~0.1 are needed to reproduce the radial extent of spirals and jets, suggesting that collisions are very dissipative in the F ring region. In conclusion, spirals and jets would be the direct manifestation the ongoing collisional activity of the F ring region.
No associations
LandOfFree
Physical collisions of moonlets and clumps with the Saturn's F-ring core 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 Physical collisions of moonlets and clumps with the Saturn's F-ring core, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Physical collisions of moonlets and clumps with the Saturn's F-ring core will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-35007