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Satellites of Uranus control its magnetosphere

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5887436
The importance of the satellites of Uranus as sources of magnetospheric plasma were investigated. It is found that neither an Io like plasma source nor a Titan like source is likely at Uranus. The likely presence of a heavy ion plasma torus maintained by charged particle sputtering of the icy satellites is examined. Sputtering of Saturn's icy satellites is considered an important source of heavy ion (oxygen) plasma in Saturn's inner magnetosphere. A major unresolved question is whether this sputtering process does depend on the preexistence of magnetospheric heavy ions derived from another source, Titian.
Research Organization:
Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD (USA). Applied Physics Lab.
OSTI ID:
5887436
Report Number(s):
N-85-11952
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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