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Wet model of Saturn's ionosphere: Water from the ringsCurrent theoretical models of Saturn's ionosphere are difficult to reconcile with the ionospheric electron density profiles obtained from the Pioneer and Voyager radio occultation observations and the large diurnal variation of maximum ionospheric electron density deduced from studies of Saturn lightning discharges. A model of Saturn's ionosphere is proposed in which water plays a major role as a minor constituent present by virtue of downward diffusion from an external source. This model of the Saturn ionosphere is a classical 'F2' type layer resulting from the photodissociative production of H(+) from H2 and rapid chemical loss due to a series of charge exchange reactions with water. A planet-wide influx of about 4x10 to the 7th power molecules/sec/sq cm of water from the rings is consistent with the observed ionospheric electron densities and estimates of influx due to micrometeoride bombardment of the rings. An enhanced influx of water occurs at latitudes (-38 deg, +44 deg) magnetically connected to the inner edge of Saturn's B ring which results from an electromagnetic erosion process contributing substantially to the (local) upper atmosphere water content. Present day influx at these latitudes is possibly as large as 2x10 to the 9th power molecules/sec/sq cm.
Document ID
19840027191
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Connerney, J. E. P. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Waite, J. H. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1984
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
REPT-695
NAS 1.15:86144
NASA-TM-86144
Accession Number
84N35262
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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