Stellar Occultation by Saturn's Rings in the UV
Abstract
We propose to capitalize on the unique opportunity to observe the July 2018 stellar occultation of the star HD 168233 by Saturn's rings using the COS G230L mode on HST. Our program will characterize the particle size distribution of the rings through analyses of the starlight diffracted by the ring particles. It will also define the shape and structure of the rings through measurements of the optical depth of the variable F ring, the characterization of the self-gravity wakes, and by constraining the A ring edge dynamics six months after the radial swap of the co-orbital moons Janus and Epimetheus, which maintain the ring's outer edge. Saturn's rings are very dark at UV wavelengths; therefore, stellar occultations in the UV have a significantly lower background signal from the ring-reflected sunlight than at longer wavelengths. Furthermore, occultations at UV wavelengths are sensitive to the smallest particles in the rings. The geometry and wavelengths of the stellar occultation from HST COS will complement and extend the science return from the Cassini spacecraft nearly one year after the mission's end.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- August 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017hst..prop15094B