On the structure of Saturn's rings and the ‘real’ rotational period for the planet |
| |
| Authors: | Ignacio Ferrín |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Dept. of Astro-Geophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., USA
|
| |
| Abstract: | An analysis of the Lowell Observatory photographic plates of Saturn gave the following results: (1) ring A and B show peculiar brightness distributions around the planet, from which we conclude that both are composed of particles in synchronous rotation. (2) The leading side of the particles in ring A is brighter than the trailing side by about 4%, which may indicate an interaction between such particles and the interplanetary medium. (3) Scans of the rings across the major axis show a small (～0.3″) region of enhanced brightness, from which we derive a value ofT s =10h13 . m 8±5 . m 4 for the actual planetary rotational period of Saturn. (4) In order to explain the synchronous rotation, the particles in ring A have to be at least 42 m in diameter. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
