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Comment on radar scattering from Saturn's ringsStrong 12.5 cm-wavelength radar echoes from Saturn's rings have been observed recently. The observed radar cross section of 0.62 (plus or minus 0.15) times the geometric area occupied by the optically observed A, B, and C rings seems too high based on radar experience with the terrestrial planets and the asteroids Icarus and Toro. An explanation of this phenomenon is proposed, based on the fact that backscattering from transparent spheres can show considerable gain over the simple external reflection from the front surface of an equivalent dielectric sphere. It is shown that only 10% of the optically observed material in the A, B, and C rings need consist of smooth ice fragments larger than 8 cm in radius to yield the radar results.
Document ID
19740044808
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Pettengill, G. H.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Hagfors, T.
(Norges Tekniske Hogskole Trondheim, Norway)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1974
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 21
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
74A27558
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-009-672
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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