Simultaneous imaging of recurrent plasma injection signatures in Saturn’s auroras and energetic neutral atom flux
Abstract details
id
Simultaneous imaging of recurrent plasma injection signatures in Saturn’s auroras and energetic neutral atom flux
Date Submitted
2019-03-15 10:01:52
Joe
Kinrade
Lancaster University
Planetary Magnetospheres
Poster
J. Kinrade (Lancaster University), S. V. Badman (Lancaster University), C. P. Paranicas (JHU APL), D. G. Mitchell (JHU APL), R. L. Gray (Lancaster University), C. S. Arridge (Lancaster University), A. Bader (Lancaster University), G. Provan (University of Leicester), S. W. H. Cowley (University of Leicester)
Recent studies have revealed that large-scale injections of plasma into Saturn’s magnetosphere are significant in driving morning-sector auroral emissions in its ionosphere. Here we report on observations taken by Cassini’s imagers on 9 April 2014, the UVIS and INCA, providing simultaneous global views of the southern ultraviolet auroras and magnetospheric ion dynamics respectively. Two injection events, separated by ~ 8 h, are detected as rotating enhancements in the magnetospheric energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) and the auroral intensity. The ENA and auroral patches track at similar local time positions throughout their observed lifetimes and display no reduction in azimuthal speed as they move through the dayside sector. This apparent 1:1 mapping, spread across a local time range of ~3-6 hours, indicates a region of possible current flow linking the two enhancements, which is not fully resolved by the instruments. However, a third subsequent auroral signature has no obvious ENA counterpart as it rotates to the dayside. We also identify possible planetary period modulation of the onset and intensity of injection signatures.
All attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees and staff, and to adhere to the NAM Code of Conduct. To report harassment or violation of the code of conduct please click here.