Cassini Measurements of Cold Plasma in the Ionosphere of Titan.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Cassini Measurements of Cold Plasma in the Ionosphere of Titan.
Authors: Wahlund, J.-E., Boström, R., Gustafsson, G., Gurnett, D. A., Kurth, W. S., Pedersen, A., Averkamp, T. F., Hospodarsky, G. B., Persoon, A. M., Canu, P., Neubauer, F. M., Dougherty, M. K., Eriksson, A. I., Morooka, M. W., Gill, R., André, M., Eliasson, L., Müller-Wodarg, I.
Source: Science (pre-March 2025). 5/13/2005, Vol. 308 Issue 5724, p986-989. 4p. 1 Diagram, 3 Graphs.
Subjects: Space exploration, Titan (Satellite) research, Low temperature plasmas, Ionosphere, Ions, Electrons, Saturn (Planet)
Abstract: The Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) Langmuir probe (LP) sensor observed the cold plasma environment around Titan during the first two flybys. The data show that conditions in Saturn's magnetosphere affect the structure and dynamics deep in the ionosphere of Titan. The maximum measured ionospheric electron number density reached 3800 per cubic centimeter near closest approach, and a complex chemistry was indicated. The electron temperature profiles are consistent with electron heat conduction from the hotter Titan wake. The ionospheric escape flux was estimated to be 10[sup 25] ions per second. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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Abstract:The Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) Langmuir probe (LP) sensor observed the cold plasma environment around Titan during the first two flybys. The data show that conditions in Saturn's magnetosphere affect the structure and dynamics deep in the ionosphere of Titan. The maximum measured ionospheric electron number density reached 3800 per cubic centimeter near closest approach, and a complex chemistry was indicated. The electron temperature profiles are consistent with electron heat conduction from the hotter Titan wake. The ionospheric escape flux was estimated to be 10[sup 25] ions per second. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00368075
DOI:10.1126/science.1109807