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Magnetic fields of Jupiter and Saturn

Conference · · Adv. Space Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5636366

The magnetic fields of Jupiter and Saturn and the characteristics of their magnetospheres, formed by interaction with the solar wind, are discussed. The origins of both magnetic fields are associated with a dynamo process deep in the planetary interior. The Jovian magnetosphere is analogous to that of a pulsar magnetosphere: a massive central body with a rapid rotation and an associated intense magnetic field. Its most distinctive feature is its magnetodisk of concentrated plasma and particle flux, and reduced magnetic field intensity. The magnetopause near the subsolar point has been observed at radial distances ranging over 50 to 100 Jovian radii, implying a relatively compressible obstacle to solar wind flow. The composition of an embedded current sheet within the magnetic tail is believed to be influenced by volcanic eruptions and emissions from Io. Spectral troughs of the Jovian radiation belts have been interpreted as possible ring particles. The Saturnian magnetosphere appears to be more like the earth in its topology. It is mainly characterized by a dipole axis parallel to the rotational axis of the planet and a magnetic field intensity much less than expected.

Research Organization:
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
OSTI ID:
5636366
Report Number(s):
CONF-8006190-
Journal Information:
Adv. Space Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Adv. Space Res.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN ASRSD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640103 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
DIPOLES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
JUPITER PLANET
MAGNETIC DIPOLES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNETOPAUSE
MAGNETOSPHERE
MULTIPOLES
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETS
PLASMA
RADIATION BELTS
SATELLITES
SATURN PLANET
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
VOLCANOES