A Persistent, Large‐Scale, and Ordered Electrodynamic Connection Between Saturn and Its Main Rings. Issue 13 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sulaiman, A. H.; Farrell, W. M.; Ye, S.‐Y.; Kurth, W. S.; Gurnett, D. A.; Hospodarsky, G. B.; Menietti, J. D.; Píša, D.; Hunt, G. J.; Agiwal, O.; Dougherty, M. K.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 46:Issue 13(2019)
• Page Start: 7166
• Page End: 7172
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Saturn -- grand finale -- rings -- plasma waves; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1029/2019GL083541
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: Auroral hiss emissions are ubiquitous in planetary magnetospheres, particularly in regions where electric current systems are present. They are generally diagnostic of electrodynamic coupling between conductive bodies, thus making auroral and moon‐connected magnetic field lines prime locations for their detection. However, the role of Saturn's rings as a dynamic conductive body has been elusive and of great interest to the community. Cassini's Grand Finale orbits afforded a unique opportunity to directly sample magnetic field lines connected to the main rings. Here we provide strong evidence for the persistent and organized presence of auroral hiss demonstrably associated with the main rings. This is in contrast to recent observations suggesting that Saturn's rings may be barriers to field‐aligned currents. Our results provide a new view of Saturn's rings as a dynamic system that is in continuous and ordered electrodynamic coupling with the planet. Key Points: Auroral hiss emissions have been repeatedly detected during Cassini's Grand Finale orbits Auroral Hiss emissions are demonstrably on magnetic field lines connected to the main rings Their sources and spatial distribution strongly suggest a large‐scale and ordered current system between Saturn and its rings