Z mode waves as the source of Saturn narrowband radio emissions

Sheng-Yi Ye; J. D. Menietti; G. Fischer; Z. Wang; B. Cecconi; D. A. Gurnett; W. S. Kurth

doi:10.1029/2009JA015167

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Z mode waves as the source of Saturn narrowband radio emissions

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Z mode waves as the source of Saturn narrowband radio emissions

Sheng-Yi Ye, J. D. Menietti, G. Fischer, Z. Wang, B. Cecconi, D. A. Gurnett and W. S. Kurth

Journal of geophysical research. Space physics, Vol.115(A8), pp.8228-n/a

08/2010

DOI: 10.1029/2009JA015167

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Abstract

We report 5 kHz narrowband Z mode emissions observed by the Cassini Radio and Plasma Waves Science (RPWS) instrument during high latitude perikrone passes. The narrowband emissions observed below the local electron cyclotron frequency (f(ce)) are >20 dB more intense than the usual L-O mode narrowband emissions observed above local f(ce). Polarization measurements show that the narrowband emissions observed below f(ce) are oppositely polarized to those above f(ce), which identifies the emissions below f(ce) with Z mode. We propose that the L-O mode narrowband emissions observed at 5 kHz are mode converted from the Z mode waves at a density gradient or density irregularity. The Z mode to L-O mode conversion via scattering off of density irregularities can also account for the direction finding results of 5 kHz narrowband emissions which point to a source in the auroral zone. We also present the first magnetic field measurements of Saturn narrowband emissions validating their electromagnetic nature.

Physical Sciences

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Z mode waves as the source of Saturn narrowband radio emissions
Creators: Sheng-Yi Ye - Univ Iowa, Dept Phys & Astron, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
J. D. Menietti - University of Iowa
G. Fischer - Space Research Institute
Z. Wang - University of Iowa
B. Cecconi - Observatoire de Paris
D. A. Gurnett - University of Iowa
W. S. Kurth - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of geophysical research. Space physics, Vol.115(A8), pp.8228-n/a
DOI: 10.1029/2009JA015167
ISSN: 2169-9380
eISSN: 2169-9402
Publisher: Amer Geophysical Union
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: 1279973 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory NASA; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
Language: English
Date published: 08/2010
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984455548702771

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