Abstract
Reliable data defining the photometric function of the Saturn ring system at visual (V) wavelengths are interpreted in terms of a simple scattering model. To facilitate the analysis, new photographic photometry of the ring has been carried out utilizing the Lowell observatory plate collection. Homogeneous measurements of the mean surface brightness (rings A and B together), covering almost the complete range in planetocentric solar declination angle, are presented. The ring model adopted is a plane-parallel slab of isotropically scattering particles; the single scattering albedo and the perpendicular optical thickness are both arbitrary. Results indicate that primary scattering is inadequate to describe the photometric properties of the ring; multiple scattering predominates for all angles of tilt with respect to the Sun and Earth. In addition, the scattering phase function of the individual particles is significantly anisotropic; they scatter preferentially towards the Sun. Minimum values for the single scattering albedo, and for the mean perpendicular optical thickness (rings A and B together) appear to be 0.9 and unity, respectively. Thorough interpretation of ring photometry in terms of the physical structure of the system is highly problematic, requiring the solution of a complex radiative transfer problem.
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