NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Saturn's E, G, and F rings - Modulated by the plasma sheet?Saturn's broad E ring, the narrow G ring, and the structured and apparently time-variable F ring(s) contain many micron and submicron-sized particles, which make up the 'visible' component. These rings (or ring systems) are in direct contact with magnetospheric plasma. Fluctuations in the plasma density and/or mean energy, due to magnetospheric and solar wind processes, may induce stochastic charge variations on the dust particles, which in turn lead to an orbit perturbation and spatial diffusion. In addition, Coulomb drag forces may be important, in particular for the E ring. The possibility that electromagnetic effects may play a role in determining the F ring structure and its possible time variations is critically examined. Sputtering of micron-sized dust particles in the E ring by magnetospheric ions yields lifetimes of 100 to 10,000 years. This effect as well as the plasma induced transport processes require an active source for the E ring, probably Enceladus.
Document ID
19830056365
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Morfill, G. E.
(California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA; Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Germany)
Gruen, E.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA; Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik Heidelberg, Germany)
Johnson, T. V.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 88
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
83A37583
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available