Comparison of characteristic times for satellite absorption of energetic protons trapped in the Jovian and Saturnian magnetic fields

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL008i009p00976· OSTI ID:5936855

Hood, L L

The relative symmetry of the Saturnian magnetic field with respect to the rotational equatorial plane results in characteristic times for satellite absorption of trapped energetic protons that are typically one to three orders of magnitude smaller than the corresponding Jovian satellite absorption times. The maximum difference occurs for nearly equatorially mirroring particles. Assuming that the rates of radial diffusion are comparable within the two magnetospheres, the inner Saturnian satellites are more efficient absorbers of inwardly diffusing ions than their Jovian counterparts. Thus, via the mechanism of satellite absorption, the rotational symmetry of the planetary magnetic field may play an important indirect role in determining gross properties of the radiation environment at Saturn.

• Research Organization: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
• OSTI ID: 5936855
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 8:9; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALLOYS
ATMOSPHERES
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
COBALT ALLOYS
COBALT BASE ALLOYS
HEAT RESISTANT MATERIALS
HEAT RESISTING ALLOYS
ION MOBILITY
JUPITER PLANET
MATERIALS
MOBILITY
PARTICLE MOBILITY
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLANETS
RADIATION BELTS
SATURN PLANET
STELLITE
TRAPPING
TUNGSTEN ALLOYS