Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present the first empirical‐based specification model of Saturn's plasma environment based on the analysis of all publicly available plasma moment data sets derived using multiple techniques from Cassini observations made by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer and the Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument. We investigate the variability of the plasma moments with respect to minimum normal distance to the current sheet, L‐shell, magnetic latitude, and magnetic local time, and find the latter three parameters to be the most useful to construct the long‐term average configuration of plasma moments in Saturn's magnetosphere. The model moments generated by the model include electron and ion densities, temperatures and ion velocities. Given that the majority of the analyzed plasma data are constrained to the equatorial region of Saturn's magnetosphere, we also present an example of extending the plasma model to larger latitudinal ranges with a physics‐based extrapolation related to plasma equilibrium. This model will be used to support future space mission planning and development for the Saturnian system, as the moon Enceladus, a planetary body that meets the major criteria for habitability, has been highlighted as a top target for large‐scale space missions by various space agencies.
DOI: 10.1029/2025ja034005
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie, European Space Research and Technology Centre, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales, Université de Toulouse, Département Physique, Instrumentation, Environnement et Espace, Academy of Athens
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,070
OpenAlex ID: W4414760676