Thermal phase curves observed in Saturn's main rings by Cassini-CIRS: Detection of an opposition effect?

Thermal phase curves observed in Saturn's main rings by Cassini-CIRS: Detection of an opposition effect?

We report on thermal phase curve measurements of Saturn's main rings by the CIRS infrared spectrometer on‐board the CASSINI spacecraft. The extensive data set acquired by Cassini since its insertion in orbit around Saturn provides for the first time spatially resolved temperature measurements o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters Vol. 36; no. 10; pp. L10105 - n/a
Main Authors: Altobelli, N., Spilker, L., Pilorz, S., Leyrat, C., Eddgington, S., Wallis, B., Flandes, A.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Washington, DC American Geophysical Union 01-05-2009
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Subjects:
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
opposition
Planetary rings
Planetary Sciences
Planetology
Planets
Remote sensing
Saturn
Saturn rings
Solar System Objects
Solid Surface Planets
Spacecraft
Temperature measurement
thermal phase curves
opposition
thermal phase curves
Saturn rings
Temperature measurement
regolith
detection
Orbit
Saturn
Surge
temperature
exhibits
Modeling
Shadowing
Cassini space probe
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Summary:We report on thermal phase curve measurements of Saturn's main rings by the CIRS infrared spectrometer on‐board the CASSINI spacecraft. The extensive data set acquired by Cassini since its insertion in orbit around Saturn provides for the first time spatially resolved temperature measurements over broad phase angle ranges and for different solar elevations. Each of these curves exhibit a nonlinear variation in temperature with phase angle, with pronounced surges at medium to low phase angles that we interpret as an opposition effect in thermal infrared. The transition from a relatively flat linear regime to an exponential behavior in the A and B rings occurs at phase angles of 30° to 40° and is significantly broader in the C ring and Cassini Division. Analytical description of the phase curves is provided to serve as basis for future modeling work. The role played by mutual shadowing as possible origin of the broad thermal surge in thicker ring regions is emphasized. In turn, regolith properties might be inferred from the thermal phase curves in the optically thin ring regions.
Bibliography:istex:1CEA41851D3E4536D5A6AEF7E461348AFFDAFCC9
ark:/67375/WNG-2051NDNL-7
Tab-delimited Table 1.
ArticleID:2009GL038163
ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2009GL038163