Cassini dust measurements at Enceladus and implications for the origin of the E ring

Science. 2006 Mar 10;311(5766):1416-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1121375.

Abstract

During Cassini's close flyby of Enceladus on 14 July 2005, the High Rate Detector of the Cosmic Dust Analyzer registered micron-sized dust particles enveloping this satellite. The dust impact rate peaked about 1 minute before the closest approach of the spacecraft to the moon. This asymmetric signature is consistent with a locally enhanced dust production in the south polar region of Enceladus. Other Cassini experiments revealed evidence for geophysical activities near Enceladus' south pole: a high surface temperature and a release of water gas. Production or release of dust particles related to these processes may provide the dominant source of Saturn's E ring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere
  • Cosmic Dust*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Saturn*
  • Spacecraft

Substances

  • Cosmic Dust