Identification of a dynamic atmosphere at Enceladus with the Cassini magnetometer

Science. 2006 Mar 10;311(5766):1406-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1120985.

Abstract

The Cassini magnetometer has detected the interaction of the magnetospheric plasma of Saturn with an atmospheric plume at the icy moon Enceladus. This unanticipated finding, made on a distant flyby, was subsequently confirmed during two follow-on flybys, one very close to Enceladus. The magnetometer data are consistent with local outgassing activity via a plume from the surface of the moon near its south pole, as confirmed by other Cassini instruments.

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Magnetics
  • Saturn*
  • Spacecraft