Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008georl..3517101b&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 35, Issue 17, CiteID L17101
Physics
7
Magnetospheric Physics: Planetary Magnetospheres (5443, 5737, 6033), Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetosphere: Inner, Magnetospheric Physics: Ring Current, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetospheric Configuration And Dynamics, Magnetospheric Physics: Energetic Particles: Trapped
Scientific paper
An explanation for the morphology and evolution of the ring current in Saturn's magnetosphere is provided. We use global Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) images of the 20-140 keV proton distribution obtained by the Ion and Neutral Camera (INCA) on board the Cassini spacecraft. A case where the ring current displays an exceptionally clear spiral shape is analyzed and by using a simple model of rotational velocities and curvature-gradient drifts we reproduce the observed spiral patterns and dispersions. The spiral evolve from an initial large-scale injection around midnight consistent with INCA observations. The drift patterns of the inner magnetosphere have to be relatively undisturbed in order for a clear spiral to evolve. Clear spiral patterns like this do not always occur, which reminds us that the inner magnetosphere of Saturn is indeed very dynamic.
C:son Brandt Pontus
Carbary James F.
Krimigis Stamatios M.
Mauk Barry H.
Mitchell Donald G.
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