Search Publications

Possible Evidence of p-modes in Cassini Measurements of Saturn's Gravity Field

Iess, Luciano; Durante, Daniele; Markham, Steve +1 more

We analyze the range-rate residual data from Cassini's gravity experiment that cannot be explained with a static, zonally symmetric gravity field. We reproduce the data using a simple forward model of gravity perturbations from normal modes. To do this, we stack data from multiple flybys to improve sensitivity. We find a partially degenerate set o…

Saturn's Atmospheric Helium Abundance from Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer Data

Achterberg, Richard K.; Flasar, F. Michael

We use thermal infrared data from the Composite Infrared Spectrometer, which was on board the Cassini orbiter, to retrieve the helium abundance in Saturn's visible atmosphere. We find that the data is most consistent with a helium-to-hydrogen mole ratio in the range between 0.04 and 0.075, near the lower end of previous measurements, and implying …

Tidal Currents Detected in Kraken Mare Straits from Cassini VIMS Sun Glitter Observations

Sotin, Christophe; Barnes, Jason W.; Soderblom, Jason M. +3 more

We present Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observations of sun glitter—wave-induced reflections from a liquid surface offset from a specular point—on Kraken Mare. sun glitter reveals rough sea surfaces around Kraken Mare, namely the coasts and narrow straits. The sun glitter observations indicate wave activity driven by the…

Changes in a Dusty Ringlet in the Cassini Division after 2010

Bridges, Bill; Hedman, Mathew

A dusty ringlet designated R/2006 S3, also known as the "Charming Ringlet," is located around 119,940 km from the center of Saturn within the Laplace Gap in the Cassini Division. Prior to 2010, the ringlet had a simple radial profile and a predictable eccentric shape with two components, one forced by solar radiation pressure and the other freely …