Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 1982
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982icar...50...88d&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 50, Apr. 1982, p. 88-102.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
14
Astronomical Maps, Centimeter Waves, Limb Darkening, Radio Astronomy, Saturn Atmosphere, Saturn Rings, Abundance, Atmospheric Attenuation, Brightness Temperature, Light Scattering, Optical Thickness, Planetary Radiation, Planetary Temperature
Scientific paper
Radio maps with a resolution of 1.5 arcsec were made of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 cm. The inclination of the ring plane was -5.4 deg. A fraction of 0.49 + or - 0.08 of Saturn's emitted light is transmitted through the rings at 2 and 6 cm. This value converts to an effective head-on or normal optical depth of 0.07 + or - 0.02. The transparency at this small inclination angle must be provided entirely by the regions of very low optical depth, e.g., the Cassini and Encke's Divisions, and to achieve the desired number this requires either a relatively large fraction of gaps or a strong forward scattering by the ring particles. The planetary disk appears to be much less limb darkened in the N-S than the E-W direction, while cuts across the planet, averaged over all directions, agree with the theoretical limb-darkening curves for a planet with a uniform atmosphere and solar abundances for all chemical elements.
de Pater Imke
Dickel John R.
No associations
LandOfFree
VLA observations of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 CM 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 VLA observations of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 CM, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and VLA observations of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 CM will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-842203