The nature of the azimuthal asymmetry of the brightness of Saturn's rings
Abstract
The azimuthal brightness variations in Saturn's rings are shown to be due to occultations of ring particles by clouds of fine particles and dust formed during collisions of friable snow particles. A quantitative model of the azimuthal asymmetry is developed, and the particle density of Saturn's rings is estimated to be 0.1-0.15 g/cu cm.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Astronomicheskii Zhurnal
- Pub Date:
- June 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989PAZh...15..547G
- Keywords:
-
- Asymmetry;
- Azimuth;
- Brightness Distribution;
- Saturn Rings;
- Clouds;
- Interplanetary Dust;
- Occultation;
- Particle Collisions;
- Particle Density (Concentration);
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration