Ultraviolet Emissions from Saturn's Rings and Ring Atmosphere
Abstract
We propose observations of Saturn's neutral ring atmosphere using the Faint Object Spectrograph to accomplish the following scientific objective: to define the density and vertical extent of the neutral gas above the densest part of the ring system. Faint Object Spectrograph observations have already proven effective in detecting neutrals in Saturn's magnetosphere, and the remarkably favorable observational geometry of Saturn's rings during Cycle 5 offers HST a rare opportunity to define the vertical extent of the neutral ring atmosphere. The proposed observations will answer fundamental questions on the nature and distribution of matter in Saturn's ring environment and are directly relevant to NASA's upcoming Cassini Mission.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- July 1995
- Bibcode:
- 1995hst..prop.6015H