In:
Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Vol. 307, No. 5713 ( 2005-02-25), p. 1262-1266
Abstract:
During Cassini's initial orbit, we observed a dynamic magnetosphere composed primarily of a complex mixture of water-derived atomic and molecular ions. We have identified four distinct regions characterized by differences in both bulk plasma properties and ion composition. Protons are the dominant species outside about 9 R S (where R S is the radial distance from the center of Saturn), whereas inside, the plasma consists primarily of a corotating comet-like mix of water-derived ions with ∼3% N + . Over the A and B rings, we found an ionosphere in which O 2 + and O + are dominant, which suggests the possible existence of a layer of O 2 gas similar to the atmospheres of Europa and Ganymede.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0036-8075
,
1095-9203
DOI:
10.1126/science.1106151
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
128410-1
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2066996-3
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2060783-0
SSG:
11
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