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100-metre-diameter moonlets in Saturn's A ring from observations of 'propeller' structures

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew S. Tiscareno

    (Cornell University)

  • Joseph A. Burns

    (Cornell University
    Cornell University)

  • Matthew M. Hedman

    (Cornell University)

  • Carolyn C. Porco

    (CICLOPS, Space Science Institute)

  • John W. Weiss

    (CICLOPS, Space Science Institute)

  • Luke Dones

    (Southwest Research Institute)

  • Derek C. Richardson

    (University of Maryland)

  • Carl D. Murray

    (University of London)

Abstract

Propelled into the limelight Saturn's ring system consists in the main of countless icy particles a few centimetres to 10 metres or so in radius. Between these and the kilometre-size moonlets Pan and Daphnis, theorists predict a population of moonlets 40–120 metres in diameter. This is too small for Cassini's cameras to see. But 100-metre-diameter moonlets have now been observed indirectly, through the ‘wake’ they leave: propeller-shaped perturbations in the ring. These features are brighter than the surrounding region of the ring: so far four have been observed but the total moonlet population could run into millions.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew S. Tiscareno & Joseph A. Burns & Matthew M. Hedman & Carolyn C. Porco & John W. Weiss & Luke Dones & Derek C. Richardson & Carl D. Murray, 2006. "100-metre-diameter moonlets in Saturn's A ring from observations of 'propeller' structures," Nature, Nature, vol. 440(7084), pages 648-650, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:440:y:2006:i:7084:d:10.1038_nature04581
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04581
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