Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jan 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993phdt........20t&link_type=abstract
PhD Dissertation, Iowa Univ. Iowa City, IA United States
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Microparticles, Particle Size Distribution, Saturn (Planet), Saturn Atmosphere, Plasma Waves, Particle Mass, Spectrum Analysis, Signal Processing, Interplanetary Dust, Astrophysics, Optical Thickness, Voyager 1 Spacecraft, Voyager 2 Spacecraft, Broadband, Electric Potential, Astronomical Photometry, Enceladus, Tethys
Scientific paper
During the Voyager 1 and 2 flybys of Saturn, the plasma wave (PWS) instrument recorded impulsive signals that have been attributed to micron-sized dust particles hitting the spacecraft. An analysis of these signals is presented in this study based on an improved model for the response of the electric antenna to dust impacts. The fundamental assumption is that the voltage induced on the antenna is proportional to the mass of the impacting particle. The impact rates and particle number densities are derived from the wideband waveform data and from the 16-channel spectrum analyzer data. Voyager 2 crossed the equatorial plane at 2.86 Rs. The primary dust distribution in this region consists of a 'disk' that coincides with the equatorial plane. The north south thickness of the 'disk' is about 1000 km. A less dense 'halo' surrounds the primary distribution and has a thickness of about 3500 km. The dust particle sizes are of the order of 10 microns. The maximum number density is on the order of 10-2/cu m and the particle masses are up to a few times 10-9 g. Most likely the G-ring is the source of the particles since the impacts were detected close to that ring. Other sources, like nearby moons, are not ruled out. The optical depth of the region sampled by Voyager 2, as derived from the dust impacts analysis, is about 10-6. Voyager 1 crossed the equatorial plane at 6.24 Rs. Voyager 1 detected a population of particles centered approximately 2500 km south of the equator plane. The north-south thickness of the impact region is about 4000 km. The maximum particle number density is on the order of 10-3/cu m and the particle sizes are a few microns. Possible sources of these particles are the moons Enceladus and Tethys. The optical depth computed from the dust impact data is about 10-6. These results are in good agreement with photometric studies and the findings of numerical simulations.
No associations
LandOfFree
The properties of micron-sized particles detected at Saturn by the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments 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 The properties of micron-sized particles detected at Saturn by the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The properties of micron-sized particles detected at Saturn by the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1264242