Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006georl..3307203f&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 33, Issue 7, CiteID L07203
Physics
4
Planetary Sciences: Fluid Planets: Rings And Dust, Planetary Sciences: Fluid Planets: Interactions With Particles And Fields, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Saturn
Scientific paper
During Cassini's orbit insertion at Saturn, the trajectory took the spacecraft overtop the planet's famed ring system. At this time, the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument obtained unprecedented observations of electron density in the vicinity of the rings. Using this information and a model of photoemission anticipated from the rings, we demonstrate that the ring surface potential undergoes a seasonal change in electrical configuration, being primarily unipolar (of one charge polarity/potential) during the Voyager era and now bipolar (two separate polarities/potentials) during the Cassini era. We calculate the approximate ring/sun opening angle required for the transition from unipolar to bipolar configuration. Using electron density profiles, we explicitly examine the conditions for current balance on the B ring and show which regions are most likely to charge to positive potentials and those that may remain negative as a function of ring opening angle relative to the sun. Finally, we demonstrate that the current body of observations of Saturn ring spokes is consistent with their formation only on negatively-charged surfaces, and suggest future times and locations to look for spoke activity based upon the model.
Desch Michael D.
Farrell William M.
Gurnett Donald A.
Kaiser Michael L.
Kurth Willaim S.
No associations
LandOfFree
Changing electrical nature of Saturn's rings: Implications for spoke formation 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 Changing electrical nature of Saturn's rings: Implications for spoke formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Changing electrical nature of Saturn's rings: Implications for spoke formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1498271