Oxygen Ions Observed Near Saturn's A Ring

Ions were detected in the vicinity of Saturn's A ring by the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) instrument onboard the Cassini Orbiter during the spacecraft's passage over the rings. The INMS saw signatures of molecular and atomic oxygen ions and of protons, thus demonstrating the ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2005-02, Vol.307 (5713), p.1260-1262
Main Authors: Waite, J. H, Cravens, T. E, Ip, W.-H, Kasprzak, W. T, Luhmann, J. G, McNutt, R. L, Niemann, H. B, Yelle, R. V, Mueller-Wodarg, I, Ledvina, S. A, Scherer, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Atmosphere
Average linear density
Density
Earth
Extraterrestrial Environment
Ice
Ion density
Ions
Mass spectrometers
Mass Spectrometry
Molecules
Motion
Observations
Oxygen
Protons
Research Articles and Reports
Saturn
Saturn (Planet)
Scientific Concepts
Spacecraft
Speed
Ultraviolet radiation
Velocity
Water
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Summary:Ions were detected in the vicinity of Saturn's A ring by the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) instrument onboard the Cassini Orbiter during the spacecraft's passage over the rings. The INMS saw signatures of molecular and atomic oxygen ions and of protons, thus demonstrating the existence of an ionosphere associated with the A ring. A likely explanation for these ions is photoionization by solar ultraviolet radiation of neutral O₂ molecules associated with a tenuous ring atmosphere. INMS neutral measurements made during the ring encounter are dominated by a background signal.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1105734