The spokes in Saturn's rings - A critical evaluation of possible electrical processes

Among the mechanisms proposed to explain the novel spoke phenomenon occurring in Saturn's B-ring, the alignment of particles by an electric field has been suggested. In this and related theories, the particles are assumed to be adequately conducting; or at least it is the case that electrical conductivity generally acts to enhance the feasibility of the proposed processes. These ideas are appraised in light of the fact that the particles are most likely composed of ice. It is concluded that the electrical torque required to align the particles is many orders of magnitude larger than that which is likely to exist. Also, the conductivity of ice at ring temperatures is probably so small as to inhibit some of the proposed processes.