An Upper Limit on Shepherding Satellites at Saturn's Ring G.
Abstract
A simplified analytical theory of the absorption of energetic magnetospheric particles by an inert satellite is develop for the case in which the radius b of the satellite is much less than the equatorial gyroradius r sub g of the particle which, in turn, is very much less than the radius r of the satelite's orbit. This theory and the observed particle-absorption signatures of Saturn's Ring G are used to establish an upper limit on shepherding satellites associated with the ring. The resulting upper limit, ignoring the absorption of the optically observed particulate matter, is b = 3.3 km (accurate to a factor of two) for a single satellite or sum from i = 1 to n of b squared sub i = 11.2 sq km (accurate to a factor of four) for an assemblage of n satellites of various radii b sub i. No shepherding satellites at Ring G have been detected optically.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA171520
Entities
People
- James A. van Allen
Organizations
- University of Iowa