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The Z3 model of Saturn's magnetic field and the Pioneer 11 vector helium magnetometer observationsMagnetic field observations obtained by the Pioneer 11 vector helium magnetometer are compared with the Z(sub 3) model magnetic field. These Pioneer 11 observations, obtained at close-in radial distances, constitute an important and independent test of the Z(sub 3) zonal harmonic model, which was derived from Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 fluxgate magnetometer observations. Differences between the Pioneer 11 magnetometer and the Z(sub 3) model field are found to be small (approximately 1 percent) and quantitatively consistent with the expected instrumental accuracy. A detailed examination of these differences in spacecraft payload coordinates shows that they are uniquely associated with the instrument frame of reference and operation. A much improved fit to the Pioneer 11 observations is obtained by rotation of the instrument coordinate system about the spacecraft spin axis by 1.4 degree. With this adjustment, possibly associated with an instrumental phase lag or roll attitude error, the Pioneer 11 vector helium magnetometer observations are fully consistent with the Voyager Z(sub 3) model.
Document ID
19840065487
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Connerney, J. E. P.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Acuna, M. H.
(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
September 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A48274
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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