Detection of nonthermal continuum radiation in Saturn's magnetosphere

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6717662

Kuth, W S; Scarf, F L; Sullivan, J D; Gurnett, D A

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 1 plasma wave data at Saturn has now confirmed the existence of weak emissions that have a spectrum characteristic 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 that Jupiter may provide an additional source of the continuum radiation detected by Voyager 2.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
• OSTI ID: 6717662
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 9:8; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FREQUENCY DEPENDENCE
FREQUENCY RANGE
KHZ RANGE
KHZ RANGE 01-100
KHZ RANGE 100-1000
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLANETS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SATURN PLANET
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES
VOYAGER SPACE PROBES