Search Publications
Titan's obliquity as evidence of a subsurface ocean?
Karatekin, Ö.; Baland, R. -M.; van Hoolst, T. +1 more
On the basis of gravity and radar observations with the Cassini spacecraft, the moment of inertia of Titan and the orientation of Titan's rotation axis have been estimated in recent studies. According to the observed orientation, Titan is close to the Cassini state. However, the observed obliquity is inconsistent with the estimate of the moment of…
On the degeneracy of the tidal Love number k2 in multi-layer planetary models: application to Saturn and GJ 436b
Stevenson, D. J.; Nettelmann, N.; Kramm, U. +1 more
Context. In order to accurately model giant planets, a whole set of observational constraints is needed. As the conventional constraints for extrasolar planets like mass, radius, and temperature allow for a large number of acceptable models, a new planetary parameter is desirable in order to further constrain planetary models. Such a parameter may…
First detection of hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) in Titan's atmosphere
Lara, L. M.; Hartogh, P.; Lellouch, E. +7 more
We report on the first identification of hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) in Titan's atmosphere, from observations using the HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory. An emission line from the HNC J = 6 → 5 rotational transition at 543.897 GHz was measured in Titan on June 14 and December 31, 2010. Radiative transfer modeling indicates that the …
The outer rings of SN 1987A
Lundqvist, P.; Tziamtzis, A.; Gröningsson, P. +1 more
Aims: We investigate the physical properties and structure of the outer rings of SN 1987A to understand their formation and evolution.
Methods: We used low resolution spectroscopy from VLT/FORS1 and high resolution spectra from VLT/UVES to estimate the physical conditions in the outer rings, using nebular analysis for emission lines such…
Origin of craters on Phoebe: comparison with Cassini's data
di Sisto, R. P.; Brunini, A.
Context. Phoebe is one of the irregular satellites of Saturn. The images taken by the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft have allowed us to analyze its surface and the craters on it.
Aims: We study the craters on Phoebe produced by both Centaur objects from the scattered disk (SD) and plutinos that have escaped from the 3:2 mean motion resonance with…
The rotation of Mimas
Noyelles, B.; Rambaux, N.; Karatekin, Ö.
Context. The Cassini mission in the Saturnian system is an outstanding opportunity to improve our knowledge of the satellites of Saturn. The data obtained thanks to this mission must be balanced with theoretical models.
Aims: This paper aims at modelling the rotation of Mimas with respect to its possible internal structure.
Methods: We f…