Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jun 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005georl..3211205s&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 32, Issue 11, CiteID L11205
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
18
Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Planetary Rings, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Saturn, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Saturnian Satellites
Scientific paper
Particle simulations are carried out to study density features caused by small moonlets embedded in a dense planetary ring. The creation of a ``propeller'' like structure is found together with adjacent density wakes. Both features are clear indications for the existence of moonlets in the rings. We confirmed that the propeller scales with the Hill-radius in radial direction whereas its azimuthal extent is determined by the ratio between the moonlet-mass and the ring-viscosity. Our findings bear direct implications for the analysis of the Cassini imaging (ISS) and occultation (UVIS) data: (i) for the detection of embedded larger bodies (>30 m) in Saturn's rings, and (ii) for remotely probing transport properties of the rings. The existence of a moonlet population may point to a catastrophic disruption of a parent body as a formation scenario for rings.
Miodrag Sremčević
Salo Heikki
Seiß Martin
Spahn Frank
No associations
LandOfFree
Structures induced by small moonlets in Saturn's rings: Implications for the Cassini Mission 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 Structures induced by small moonlets in Saturn's rings: Implications for the Cassini Mission, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structures induced by small moonlets in Saturn's rings: Implications for the Cassini Mission will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-874017