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Detailed Reference Information |
Seiß, M., Spahn, F., Sremcevic, M. and Salo, H. (2005). Structures induced by small moonlets in Saturn's rings: Implications for the Cassini Mission. Geophysical Research Letters 32: doi: 10.1029/2005GL022506. issn: 0094-8276. |
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Particle simulations are carried out to study density features caused by small moonlets embedded in a dense planetary ring. The creation of a propeller like structure is found together with adjacent density wakes. Both features are clear indications for the existence of moonlets in the rings. We confirmed that the propeller scales with the Hill-radius in radial direction whereas its azimuthal extent is determined by the ratio between the moonlet-mass and the ring-viscosity. Our findings bear direct implications for the analysis of the Cassini imaging (ISS) and occultation (UVIS) data: (i) for the detection of embedded larger bodies (>30 m) in Saturn's rings, and (ii) for remotely probing transport properties of the rings. The existence of a moonlet population may point to a catastrophic disruption of a parent body as a formation scenario for rings. |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Planetary rings, Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Saturn, Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Saturnian satellites |
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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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