卡西尼号成像科学：土星大气的初步结果。

Cassini Imaging Science: initial results on Saturn's atmosphere.

作者信息

Porco C C, Baker E, Barbara J, Beurle K, Brahic A, Burns J A, Charnoz S, Cooper N, Dawson D D, Del Genio A D, Denk T, Dones L, Dyudina U, Evans M W, Giese B, Grazier K, Helfenstein P, Ingersoll A P, Jacobson R A, Johnson T V, McEwen A, Murray C D, Neukum G, Owen W M, Perry J, Roatsch T, Spitale J, Squyres S, Thomas P, Tiscareno M, Turtle E, Vasavada A R, Veverka J, Wagner R, West R

机构信息

Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations, Space Science Institute, 4750 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Boulder, CO 80301, USA.

出版信息

Science. 2005 Feb 25;307(5713):1243-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1107691.

DOI:10.1126/science.1107691

PMID:15731441

Abstract

The Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) began observing Saturn in early February 2004. From analysis of cloud motions through early October 2004, we report vertical wind shear in Saturn's equatorial jet and a maximum wind speed of approximately 375 meters per second, a value that differs from both Hubble Space Telescope and Voyager values. We also report a particularly active narrow southern mid-latitude region in which dark ovals are observed both to merge with each other and to arise from the eruptions of large, bright storms. Bright storm eruptions are correlated with Saturn's electrostatic discharges, which are thought to originate from lightning.

摘要

卡西尼号成像科学子系统（ISS）于2004年2月初开始对土星进行观测。通过对2004年10月初之前云运动的分析，我们报告了土星赤道喷流中的垂直风切变以及大约每秒375米的最大风速，该数值与哈勃太空望远镜和旅行者号测得的值均不同。我们还报告了一个特别活跃的狭窄的南中纬度区域，在该区域观测到暗椭圆形相互合并以及由大型明亮风暴喷发产生。明亮风暴喷发与土星的静电放电相关，而静电放电被认为起源于闪电。