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Posted on 09/19/2009 8:20:22 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
A team of scientists has found new clues that could help solve Saturn's rotation mystery.
Scientists have known for some time that Saturn emits intense kilometer-wavelength radio emission, known as Saturn kilometric radiation (SKR), which rotates with a period of 10.8 hours.
However, they have been puzzled by more recent observations that found a component of this oscillation with a slightly different rotation period, about 10.6 hours.
It had been thought that the motion of magnetospheric particles that emit SKR radiation was linked to motion of the planetary interior, but the discovery of the second component cast doubt on this interpretation.
Further investigating the characteristics of the two SKR components, D. A. Gurnett and his team from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, along with international colleagues, found that the 10.8-hour component originates from Saturn's southern auroral region, while the more recently discovered 10.6-hour component originates from the northern auroral region.
They discuss several north-south asymmetries on Saturn that could be factors in explaining the asymmetry in SKR rotation rates.
The researchers believe that the study should help improve scientists' understanding of how angular momentum is transferred from the inner planet to Saturn's magnetosphere.
(Excerpt) Read more at newspostonline.com ...
Scientists Find That Saturn’s Rotation Period Is A Puzzle
University of Iowa | June 28, 2004 | Gary Galluzzo and Don Gurnett
Posted on 01/13/2005 6:00:04 PM PST by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1320410/posts
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Changes in Saturn Rings Baffle Scientists
Washington Post | Monday, September 5, 2005 | ALICIA CHANG
Posted on 09/05/2005 7:20:18 PM PDT by Zrob
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1478155/posts
Saturn rings have own atmosphere
BBC | Friday, July 1, 2005 | Paul Rincon
Posted on 07/21/2007 11:05:28 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1869570/posts
Saturn’s sixtieth moon discovered
BBC | July 21, 2007 (Saturday)
Posted on 07/21/2007 1:51:50 AM PDT by Jedi Master Pikachu
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1869432/posts
Water signs on Saturn moon raises possibility of extra-terrestrial life
AFP | March 10, 2006
Posted on 03/10/2006 8:17:30 AM PST by West Coast Conservative
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1593886/posts
More government funded research I suppose.
More government funded research I suppose.
At least they have an entire team on it .............
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