Evidence of Electron Density Enhancements at Enceladus' Apoapsis

Abstract:

Enceladus' plumes are the dominant source of plasma in Saturn's magnetosphere. Icy particles and water vapor are vented into the inner magnetosphere through fissures in Enceladus' southern polar region. These fissures are subjected to tidal stresses that vary as Enceladus moves in a slightly eccentric orbit around Saturn. Plume activity is greatest when tidal stress is minimal. This occurs when Enceladus is farthest away from Saturn in its orbit (the Enceladus apoapsis). This study will show temporal variations in the electron density distribution that correlate with the position of Enceladus in its orbit around Saturn, with strong density enhancements in the vicinity of Enceladus when the moon is near apoapsis. Equatorial electron density measurements derived from the upper hybrid resonance frequency from the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) experiment are used to illustrate these electron density enhancements.