Overview of Saturn lightning observations

G Fischer; U. A Dyudina; W. S Kurth; D. A Gurnett; P Zarka; T Barry; M Delcroix; C Go; D Peach; R Vandebergh; A Wesley

doi:10.1553/PRE7s135

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Overview of Saturn lightning observations

Conference proceeding

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Overview of Saturn lightning observations

G Fischer, U. A Dyudina, W. S Kurth, D. A Gurnett, P Zarka, T Barry, M Delcroix, C Go, D Peach, R Vandebergh, …

Planetary Radio Emissions VII, pp.135-144

7th International Workshop on Planetary, Solar and Heliospheric Radio Emissions (Graz, Austria, 09/15/2010–09/17/2010)

2011

DOI: 10.1553/PRE7s135

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Abstract

The lightning activity in Saturn’s atmosphere has been monitored by Cassini for more than six years. The continuous observations of the radio signatures called SEDs (Saturn Electrostatic Discharges) combine favorably with imaging observations of related cloud features as well as direct observations of flash–illuminated cloud tops. The Cassini RPWS (Radio and Plasma Wave Science) instrument and ISS (Imaging Science Subsystem) in orbit around Saturn also received ground–based support: The intense SED radio waves were also detected by the giant UTR–2 radio telescope, and committed amateurs observed SED–related white spots with their backyard optical telescopes. Furthermore, the Cassini VIMS (Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer) and CIRS (Composite Infrared Spectrometer) instruments have provided some information on chemical constituents possibly created by the lightning discharges and transported upward to Saturn’s upper atmosphere by vertical convection. In this paper we summarize the main results on Saturn lightning provided by this multi–instrumental approach and compare Saturn lightning to lightning on Jupiter and Earth.

Physics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

Details

Title: Subtitle: Overview of Saturn lightning observations
Creators: G Fischer
U. A Dyudina
W. S Kurth
D. A Gurnett
P Zarka
T Barry
M Delcroix
C Go
D Peach
R Vandebergh
A Wesley
Resource Type: Conference proceeding
Publication Details: Planetary Radio Emissions VII, pp.135-144
Conference: 7th International Workshop on Planetary, Solar and Heliospheric Radio Emissions (Graz, Austria, 09/15/2010–09/17/2010)
DOI: 10.1553/PRE7s135
Publisher: Austrian Academy of Sciences Press
Language: English
Date published: 2011
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984455576402771

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