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

Detailed Reference Information
Akalin et al. 2006
Akalin, F., Gurnett, D.A., Averkamp, T.F., Persoon, A.M., Santolik, O., Kurth, W.S. and Hospodarsky, G.B. (2006). First whistler observed in the magnetosphere of Saturn. Geophysical Research Letters 33: doi: 10.1029/2006GL027019. issn: 0094-8276.

This paper describes and analyzes the first whistler observed in the magnetosphere of Saturn. The whistler was detected by the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument on the Cassini spacecraft during the inbound pass on October 28, 2004, at a radial distance of 6.18 RS (Saturn radii). Based on the measured dispersion, a travel time computation shows that the whistler originated from lightning in the northern hemisphere of Saturn. Using a simple centrifugal potential model for the plasma distribution along the magnetic field line, we have determined the scale height and fractional concentrations of water group ions and protons that give the best fit to the observed dispersion. In addition, a more complex diffusive equilibrium model was also analyzed. The inferred electron density profiles for the two models are very similar. Representative scale heights and equatorial ion fractional concentrations that provided good fits to the dispersion of the whistler were found to be HW+ = 0.89 RS and αW+ = 0.7 for water group ions, and HH+ = 2.67 RS and αH+ = 0.3 for protons.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Magnetospheric Physics, Planetary magnetospheres (5443, 5737, 6033), Planetary Sciences, Fluid Planets, Magnetospheres, Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Saturn
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
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