Density waves in Saturn's rings

Jeffrey N. Cuzzi, Jack J. Lissauer, Frank H. Shu

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Certain radial brightness variations in the outer Cassini division of Saturn's rings may be spiral density waves driven by Saturn's large moon Iapetus, in which case a value of ∼16 g cm-2 for the surface density is calculated in the region where the waves are seen. The kinematic viscosity in the same region is ∼170 cm2 s-1 and the vertical scale height of the ring is estimated to be a maximum of ∼40 m. 
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)703-707
JournalNature
Volume292
Issue number5825
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Aug 1981
Externally publishedYes

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