Spiral waves in Saturn's ringsSpiral density waves and spiral bending waves have been observed at dozens of locations within Saturn's rings. These waves are excited by resonant gravitational perturbations from moons orbiting outside the ring system. Modeling of spiral waves yields the best available estimates for the mass and the thickness of Saturn's ring system. Angular momentum transport due to spiral density waves may cause significant orbital evolution of Saturn's rings and inner moons. Similar angular momentum transfer may occur in other astrophysical systems such as protoplanetary disks, binary star systems with disks and spiral galaxies with satellites.
Document ID
19900064397
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lissauer, Jack J. (New York, State University Stony Brook, United States)