Saturn’s ‘invisible’ ring? Student reveals transparency using data from Cassini probe

In a groundbreaking study combining innovation and cosmic exploration, a student from the University of Lancaster has discovered Historical data from the Cassini spacecraft to investigate the enigmatic mysteries surrounding Saturn’s magnificent rings.

The concept of “optical depth”, a measure of a celestial body’s transparency and how light passes through it without being absorbed or scattered, is at the center of this scientific discovery.

Armed with data collected by the Langmuir Probe aboard Cassini, Xystouris set out on a journey to resolve the optical depth of Saturn’s impressive rings.

Saturn’s secrets are revealed

Designed to monitor the cold plasma of low-energy ions and electrons in Saturn’s magnetosphere, the Langmuir Probe focused on one particular cosmic event, the solar eclipses experienced by Cassini. In the shadow of Saturn or in the lap of its main rings.

During eclipses, the probe recorded dramatic fluctuations in data, paving the way for a revolutionary explanation.

Cassini began its adventure in 2004 and ended in 2017 when it bravely plunged into Saturn’s atmosphere, collecting a wealth of information about the planet, its moons and rings.

Explaining the probe’s unique challenges, Xystouris noted: “Because the probe is metallic, when illuminated by the sun, sunlight can provide the probe with enough energy to release electrons. This is the photoelectric effect, and these are the electrons. They are called ‘photoelectrons.’ But they have the same properties as the electrons in the cold plasma around Saturn.” “They can cause problems because they have them, and there is no easy way to separate the two.”

Thanks to the composition of the Langmuir Probe and their knowledge of the intensity of sunlight near Saturn, Xystouris and his team discovered an interesting relationship between the sunlight variations in each ring. researchers successfully calculated the change in the number of photoelectrons in each ring and thus solved the optical depth of Saturn’s ring.

Saturn’s iconic main rings, which extend up to 140,000 km from the planet’s surface, are only 1 km thick.

Starting in 2025, the rings will become more difficult to observe as they align with the Earth. But the cosmic ballet continues as Saturn’s 29-year orbit promises spectacular spectacle.

Did you enjoy exploring one of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ mysteries of our solar system? Then take the opportunity to also learn about the massive storms that occur on Saturn every 30 years.