Detection of Nonthermal Continuum Radiation in Saturn's Magnetosphere.
Abstract
A detailed analysis of high resolution wideband data from the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave receivers has revealed the presence of heretofore undiscovered nonthermal continuum radiation trapped within the Saturnian magnetosphere. The discovery of Saturnian trapped continuum radiation fills a disturbing void in the Saturnian radio spectrum. On the basis of observations at both the Earth and Jupiter it was expected that continuum radiation should be a pervasive signature of planetary magnetospheres in general. Special processing of the Voyager I plasma wave data at Saturn has now confirmed the existence of weak emissions that have a spectrum characteristics of trapped continuum radiation. Similar radiation was also detected by Voyager 2; however, in this case it is not certain that Saturn was the only source. Considerable evidence exists which suggests that Saturn may have been immersed in the Jovian tail during the Voyager 2 encounter, so tha Jupiter may provide an additional source of the continuum radiation detected by Voyager 2. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA115787
Entities
People
- Donald A. Gurnett
- F. L. Scarf
- J. D. Sullivan
- William S. Kurth
Organizations
- University of Iowa