Title: | The Vertical Structure of the Jovian Ring | |
Authors: | BURNS, J. A.; SCHAFFER, L.; HAMILTON, D. P.; SHOWALTER, M. R. | |
Affiliation: | AA(Cornell University), AC(U. Maryland), AD(Stanford University) | |
Journal: | Bull. American Astron. Soc., DPS meeting #28, #18.02 | |
Publication Date: | 09/1996 | |
Origin: | AAS | |
Abstract Copyright: | (c) 1996: American Astronomical Society | |
Bibliographic Code: | 1996BAAS...28.1802B |
The current state of the observations is not sufficient to distinguish between competing models, and thus we review the various mechanisms proposed to date, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Here we use numerical orbit integrations over a range of particles sizes to follow dust grains originating from the main ring as they evolve by plasma drag through so-called Lorentz resonances. For a range of charge-to-mass ratios and plasma drag rates, large jumps in inclination ensue; these jumps occur near 1.7 and 1.4 R_J, where the vertical thickness of the main ring increases by an order of magnitude to the halo, and where the halo vanishes. This model does not depend strongly on plasma measurements in the ring region: all that is required is some small charge on grains, and any mechanism which gradually draws grains through the resonance zones. From these integrations we produce ring cross-sections which roughly match the halo slice data of Showalter et al.
As part of this study, we have simulated the trajectories of individual
particles having widely different charge-to-mass ratios. Not
surprisingly, very highly charged grains are closely tied to the
magnetic field, while large particles follow nearly Keplerian orbits.
Intermediately charged grains have significant excursions, some leaving
the system altogether; this occurs especially near Lorentz resonances.
These characteristics seem to provide the correct clay from which to
mold the jovian ring's morphology.