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Saturn's Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere.

E J Smith, L Davis, D E Jones

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |January 25, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary
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    The Pioneer Saturn magnetometer revealed Saturn's magnetic field is weaker than expected, with a near-perfect alignment between its magnetic and rotation axes. This suggests a smaller planetary core and provides insights into Saturn's magnetosphere dynamics.

    Area of Science:

    • Planetary Science
    • Magnetospheric Physics
    • Space Physics

    Background:

    • Saturn's magnetosphere and internal magnetic field properties were not well understood prior to the Pioneer mission.
    • Previous estimations of Saturn's magnetic field strength were based on scaling from Earth and Jupiter.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To accurately characterize Saturn's planetary magnetic field using data from the Pioneer Saturn vector helium magnetometer.
    • To investigate the structure and dynamics of Saturn's magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind.

    Main Methods:

    • In-situ measurements by the Pioneer Saturn vector helium magnetometer.
    • Spherical harmonic analysis of magnetic field data.
    • Comparison of observed field characteristics with theoretical models and data from other planets.

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    Main Results:

    • Detection of Saturn's bow shock and magnetopause.
    • Measured equatorial surface magnetic field of 0.20 gauss, 3-5 times weaker than anticipated.
    • Observed a dipole axis tilt angle < 1 degree, indicating exceptional alignment with the rotation axis.
    • Spherical harmonic analysis revealed a quadrupole to dipole moment ratio < 10 percent, suggesting a more uniform field and a smaller core.
    • Systematic deviations from a pure dipole field in the outer magnetosphere, including compression near noon and an equatorial current sheet near dawn.
    • Evidence of a hydromagnetic wake possibly caused by Titan's interaction with the magnetosphere.

    Conclusions:

    • Saturn's magnetic field is significantly weaker and more uniform than predicted, implying a relatively small core.
    • The magnetosphere exhibits complex structures and dynamics, including interactions with moons like Titan.
    • Pioneer's findings provide crucial data for refining models of planetary magnetic fields and magnetospheres.