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Detailed Reference Information |
Wu, F.M., Judge, D.L. and Carlson, R.W. (1980). Observations of Extreme Ultraviolet Emissions From the Saturnian Plasmasphere. Journal of Geophysical Research 85: doi: 10.1029/JA080i011p05853. issn: 0148-0227. |
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Emission signals from the Saturnian plasmsphere at wavelengths shortward of 800 ¿ have been detected by the Pioneer ultraviolet photometer. The surface brightness of the emissions is about 0.3¿0.2 R. These short-wavelength emissions are interpreted as arising primarily from the radiative decay of electron excited atomic oxygen ions (O++), in the region between 5 and 7 Rs from Saturn. The total power radiated by the Saturnian plasma inferred from these ultraviolet measurements is about ~2¿1016 erg s-1, consistent with in situ plasma measurements. From the observed energy loss rate it is estimated that the ions are introduced into the plasma torus at a rate of 8¿1025 ions/s, possibly through the sputtering of water ice on the surface of Tethys and Dione by particle impact. |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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