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The Z3 zonal harmonic model of Saturn's magnetic field Analyses and implicationsThe planetary magnetic field of Saturn has been studied by the spacecraft Pioneer 11 in 1979, Voyager 1 in 1980, and Voyager 2 in 1981. The field is found to be primarily dipolar and axially coincident with the rotation axis, but with significant quadrupole and octupole moments. The harmonic terms are g1(0) = 21535 nT, g2(0) = 1642 nT, and g3(0) = 2743 nT. This model field, Z3, in conjunction with a model for an equatorial ring current, represents very precisely the in situ magnetic-field measurements and data on charged-particle absorption by satellites and rings within 8 Saturn radii of the planet. However, this axisymmetric model fails to explain the periodic modulation of Saturn's kilometric radiation or Saturn's electrostatic discharges. This enigma of Saturn's magnetosphere remains unsolved in spite of extensive reconsideration of all available data bearing on this issue.
Document ID
19840030078
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Acuna, M. H.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Connerney, J. E. P.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Ness, N. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 88
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A12865
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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