Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Enceladus's south polar plumes and their surrounding torus segments (local plasma regions formed by plume material diffusion) are key to understanding its magnetospheric interaction; however, clear observational criteria to distinguish them remain lacking. We analyze data from 23 Cassini flybys (2005–2015), including magnetic field, energetic particle, and wave measurements. Plumes are characterized by localized magnetic perturbations (ΔB > 10 nT), sharp electron and ion density spikes (with n e < n i ), intense energetic particle absorption (exceeding one order of magnitude), and the presence of ice grains and neutral species. The local torus segments show weak ΔB (2–5 nT), gradual density changes ( n e ≈ n i ), and mild particle absorption (less than one order of magnitude). These criteria advanced our understanding of Enceladus' plume‐related material transport. This framework can be adapted to Io/Europa observations by rescaling thresholds to local magnetospheric conditions.
DOI: 10.1029/2025ja034855
Institutions: University of Hong Kong, Shandong University
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,070
Awards: G4836770211, 木星极光动力学过程研究
OpenAlex ID: W7126185544