EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Northrop & Hill 1983
Northrop, T.G. and Hill, J.R. (1983). The inner edge of Saturn’s B ring. Journal of Geophysical Research 88: doi: 10.1029/JA088iA08p06102. issn: 0148-0227.

The sharp, 90-km wide transitions from an optical depth of 0.2 in the C ring to 1 in the B ring begins at 91.970 km from Saturn's center. This radius is found to be almost exactly at the inward stability limit of charged particles launched in the ring plane at the local Kepler velocity, provided these particles have large charge to mass ratio. The zonal harmonic models of Saturn's magnetic field from the Voyager data and the gravitational field model from Pioneer data are essential to get the very close agreement between theory and observation. The theoretical stability limits are 91.973¿145 km from Voyager 1 magnetic field data and 91.991¿145 km from Voyager 2 magnetic data. The zonal harmonic magnetic field lines are not perpendicular to the ring plane. Therefore, in addition to the magnetic mirror, gravitational, and centrigual forces, an unknown force must be postulated to produce equilibirum in the ring plane and make the stability calculation meaningful.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
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
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit