Abstract
Based on Cassini observations from 2004 to 2016, we perform a comprehensive analysis of the statistical distribution of the occurrence rate, averaged amplitude, wave normal angle (WNA), ellipticity, and power spectral intensity of ion cyclotron waves in Saturn's inner magnetosphere. Our results show that ion cyclotron waves mainly occur between the orbits of Enceladus and Dione near the equatorial region (∣λ∣ < 20°), with higher occurrence rates in the northern hemisphere than the southern hemisphere. The averaged wave amplitudes vary between 0.1 and 2 nT with a strong day–night asymmetry and a pronounced minimum at the equator. Saturnian ion cyclotron waves are predominantly left-handed polarized with small WNAs near the equator and become linearly polarized with larger WNAs at higher latitudes. The major wave power occurs frequently at frequencies of 0.5–1.2 , where is the equatorial gyrofrequency of H2O+ ions, with the strongest intensity (>∼10 nT2 Hz−1) at L ∼ 6.5 statistically present in the midnight sector.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
