Saturn’s Rings: Pre-Cassini Status and Mission Goals

Abstract

Abstract. Theoretical and observational progress in studies of Saturn's ring system since the mid1980s is reviewed, focussing on advances in configuration and dynamics, composition and size distribution, dust and meteoroids, interactions of the rings with the planet and the magnetosphere, and relationships between the rings and various satellites. The Cassini instrument suite of greatest relevance to ring studies is also summarized, emphasizing how the individual instruments might work together to solve outstanding problems. The Cassini tour is described from the standpoint of ring studies, and major ring science goals are summarized.

Exploring The Saturn System In The Thermal Infrared: The Composite Infrared Spectrometer

“…Cuzzi et al (2002) provide a more detailed discussion of Saturn's rings and of the integrated ring measurements planned with the Cassini orbiter instruments. With these new capabilities, CIRS can address many of the ring objectives of the Cassini mission, particularly those pertaining to composition, ring particle thermal properties, vertical dynamics, rotation states, and radial thermal structure.…”

“…Locally this may be caused by waves excited by outer satellites. Cuzzi et al (2002) use HST observations to show that vertical structure may vary with location and the multilayer structure may not always be applicable. The A and B rings may thus be many-particles thick, whereas the thin C ring appears to be a monolayer.…”

Dynamics and Composition of Rings

“…More specific reviews are available for each ring system, see for instance Cuzzi et al (1984) and Esposito et al (1984) for Saturn's rings, Burns et al (2004) for Jupiter's rings, Smith et al (1986), Esposito et al (1991) and French et al (1991) for Uranus ' rings, and Smith et al (1989) and Porco et al (1995) for Neptune's rings. Finally, general reviews on rings oriented toward the Cassini mission can be found in Cuzzi et al (2002) and Esposito (2002).…”

The Outer Planets and their Moons

“…More specific reviews are available for each ring system, see for instance Cuzzi et al (1984) and Esposito et al (1984) for Saturn's rings, Burns et al (2004) for Jupiter's rings, Smith et al (1986), Esposito et al (1991) and French et al (1991) for Uranus ' rings, and Smith et al (1989) and Porco et al (1995) for Neptune's rings. Finally, general reviews on rings oriented toward the Cassini mission can be found in Cuzzi et al (2002) and Esposito (2002).…”