Work

Nanograin Density Outside Saturn’s a Ring

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The observed disparity between the radial dependence of the ion and electron densities measured by the Cassini plasma (CAPS) and radio (RPWS) science instruments are used to show that the region between the outer edge of Saturn’s main rings and its tenuous G ring is permeated with small charged grains (nanograins). These grains emanate from the edge of the A ring and from the tenuous F and G rings. This is a region of Saturn’s magnetosphere that is relatively unexplored, but will be a focus of Cassini’s F ring orbits prior to the end of mission in 2017 September. Confirmation of the grain densities predicted here will enhance our ability to describe the formation and destruction of material in this important region of Saturn’s magnetosphere.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal Letters

DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/834/1/l6

Authors: Robert E. Johnson, Wei-Ling Tseng, M. K. Elrod, A. M. Persoon

Institutions: University of Virginia, New York University, National Taiwan Normal University, Goddard Space Flight Center, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Iowa

Language: English

Topic: Astro and Planetary Science

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Southwest Research Institute, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Awards: G1298290665, G7145664426