Future studies of planetary rings by space probesRecent space probe observations of the rings of Jupiter and Saturn have furnished a substantial enhancement of the current understanding of the outer planets' rings. Voyager 2 offers further opportunities for the study of the Neptune and Uranus ring systems. The Galileo mission to Jupiter furnishes the first opportunity for long term space probe studies of a planetary ring system. It is suggested that an appropriately instrumented Saturn orbiter would not only provide a similar opportunity for the study of the Saturn rings, but may also be the only means by which to adequately address the nature of the diverse phenomena displayed by this prototypical planetary ring system.
Document ID
19850052266
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Stone, E. C. (California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA, United States)