NEWS & EVENTS

PLASMA INJECTION IN SATURN’S MAGNETOSPHERE AND COMPARISON TO OTHER PLANETS

As a fast rotating, plasma-rich planet, Saturn’s magnetospheric mass loss processes in the magnetodisc are encouraged by its rotational effects. In the inner magnetosphere, the primary mechanism of radial mass transport is thought to be the centrifugally driven flux tube interchange instability. As the inner flux tubes with cold, dense plasma convects radially outward, the hot, tenuous plasma at the middle magnetosphere is injected towards the planet to conserve magnetic flux. During its tour the Cassini Orbiter has observed numerous planet-ward injection events mainly within equatorial distances of 4-12 Rs. From revisiting Cassini’s magnetic field and particle measurements, we present preliminary results of the spatial distribution, magnitude and other characteristics of the injection events. We further take a comparative view of radially inward plasma transport across Saturn, Jupiter, Earth and Mercury, aiming to elucidate the observed differences and the fundamental driving mechanisms in these planetary systems.

 

Additional information: Mr. QIN Tianshu, qint2023@connect.hku.hk