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On the radial structure of Saturn's B ringVoyager observations have revealed that the Saturnian B ring is much more structured than previously anticipated. Some of these structures occur on radial scale lengths of less than 15 km. In the visible the ring an optical depth minimum at a small distance outside of synchronous orbit. It is suggested in this paper that the electromagnetically induced radial transport of angular momentum associated with radial transport of charged submicron-size dust particles may explain these features. This mechanism induces an instability which produces, over geological times, significant radial structuring of the ring. Mass contained in particles less than about 1 cm in size is transported away from the synchronous orbit. This produces the optical depth minimum there. A simulation, starting with a radially uniform mass and number density, yields a radial optical depth profile which is similar to what is observed. It is found that it takes about 400-800 million yr to produce the observed structure. This estimate for the age of B ring agrees with some other independent estimates.
Document ID
19910037164
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Shan, Lin-Hua
(Iowa Univ. Iowa City, IA, United States)
Goertz, C. K.
(Iowa, University Iowa City, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 20, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 367
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91A21787
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1668
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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