Journal article
In situ measurements of Saturn’s ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.359(6371), pp.66-68
01/05/2018
DOI: 10.1126/science.aao4134
PMID: 29229651
Abstract
The ionized upper layer of Saturn’s atmosphere, its ionosphere, provides a closure of currents mediated by the magnetic field to other electrically charged regions (for example, rings) and hosts ion-molecule chemistry. In 2017, the Cassini spacecraft passed inside the planet’s rings, allowing in situ measurements of the ionosphere. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument detected a cold, dense, and dynamic ionosphere at Saturn that interacts with the rings. Plasma densities reached up to 1000 cubic centimeters, and electron temperatures were below 1160 kelvin near closest approach. The density varied between orbits by up to two orders of magnitude. Saturn’s A- and B-rings cast a shadow on the planet that reduced ionization in the upper atmosphere, causing a north-south asymmetry.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- In situ measurements of Saturn’s ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings
- Creators
- Jan-Erik Wahlund - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsMichiko W. Morooka - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsLina Z. Hadid - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsAnn M. Persoon - University of IowaWilliam M. Farrell - Goddard Space Flight CenterDon A. Gurnett - University of IowaGeorge Hospodarsky - University of IowaWilliam S. Kurth - University of IowaShengyi-Y. Ye - University of IowaDavid J. Andrews - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsNiklas J. T. Edberg - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsAnders I. Eriksson - Swedish Institute of Space PhysicsErik Vigren - Swedish Institute of Space Physics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.359(6371), pp.66-68
- Publisher
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.aao4134
- PMID
- 29229651
- ISSN
- 0036-8075
- eISSN
- 1095-9203
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/05/2018
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984455657502771
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