Statistical Study on Spatial Distribution and Polarization of Saturn Narrowband Emissions

TL;DR

This study analyzes the spatial distribution and polarization of Saturn's narrowband emissions using Cassini data, revealing high-latitude preferences, local time asymmetries, and polarization characteristics related to plasma structures.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the spatial and polarization properties of Saturn's NB emissions, incorporating a novel inversion algorithm and extensive data over 13 years.

Findings

High latitude and intensity peaks within 6 Saturn radii.

5 kHz emissions show local time preference 18:00-22:00.

20 kHz emissions are highly circularly polarized.

Abstract

The spatial distribution and polarization of Saturn narrowband (NB) emissions have been studied by using Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Sciences data and goniopolarimetric data obtained through an inversion algorithm with a preset source located at the center of Saturn. From 2004 January 1 to 2017 September 12, NB emissions were selected automatically by a computer program and rechecked manually. The spatial distribution shows a preference for high latitude and intensity peaks in the region within 6 Saturn radii for both 5 and 20 kHz NB emissions. 5 kHz NB emissions also show a local time preference roughly in the 18:00-22:00 sector. The Enceladus plasma torus makes it difficult for NB emissions to propagate to the low latitude regions outside the plasma torus. The extent of the low latitude regions where 5 and 20 kHz NB emissions were never observed is consistent with the corresponding plasma torus density contour in the meridional plane. 20 kHz NB emissions show a high circular polarization while 5 kHz NB emissions are less circularly polarized with |V|<0.6 for majority of the cases. And cases of 5kHz NB emissions with high circular polarization are more frequently observed at high latitude especially at the northern and southern edges of the Enceladus plasma torus.