The theoretical requirements of the Goertz and Morfill (1983) model of the formation of spokes in the rings of Saturn are analyzed. Consideration is given to model predictions of dust particle size distribution, the optical depth of the spokes, and the radial speed of spoke evolution. It is shown that the electrostatic levitation of singly charged dust particles would be sufficient to cause the spokes to form. The maximum formation time for spokes of more than 10,000 km radial length is estimated to be less than five minutes. Observations of the scattering properties of the spokes showed general agreement with the theoretical calculations.
Formation of Saturn's spokes
Advances in Space Research ; 4 , 9 19
1984-01-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Elsevier | 1984
|Elsevier | 1984
|NTRS | 1984
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