Ordered Fine Structure in the Radio Emission Observed by Cassini Cluster and Polar

Abstract

Cassini has observed ordered fine structure in the Saturn kilometric radiation (SKR) data that bears a strong resemblance to similar features observed by Polar and Cluster in the terrestrial auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) data. We investigate the possible role of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in stimulating the growth of AKR and producing the ordered fine structure observed at Earth. We believe this same mechanism may be applicable to the ordered fine structure observed in SKR by Cassini, and should indicate the presence of EMIC waves in the Saturnian auroral magnetosphere.