Imaging the Interaction of the Heliosphere with the Interstellar Medium from Saturn with CassiniPublication date: 13 Nov 2009 Authors: Krimigis, S.M. et al.
Journal: Science Copyright: AAAS We report an all-sky image of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) >6 kilo-electron volts produced by energetic protons occupying the region (heliosheath) between the boundary of the extended solar atmosphere and the local interstellar medium (LISM). The map obtained by the Ion and Neutral Camera (INCA) onboard Cassini reveals a broad belt of energetic protons whose nonthermal pressure is comparable to that of the local interstellar magnetic field. The belt, centered at ~260° ecliptic longitude extending from north to south and looping back through ~80°, appears to be ordered by the local interstellar magnetic field. The shape revealed by the ENA image does not conform to current models, wherein the heliosphere resembles a cometlike figure aligned in the direction of Sun's travel through the LISM.
Last Update: 13 Nov 2009
|
- Missions
- Show All Missions
- Mission Home
- Summary
- Fact Sheet
- Objectives
- Mission Team
- Orbit View
-
Science…
- Huygens Probe
- Huygens
- Instruments
- Engineering
- Cassini Orbiter
- 3D Model
- Instruments
- Engineering
- Mission Operations
- Launch Vehicle
- Launch Information
- Approach and Arrival
- Getting to Saturn
- Huygens Probe Separation
- Titan Surface Landing
- Flybys
- Science Operations
- Data Archive
- Resources
- News Archive
- Multimedia Gallery
- Publication Archive
- Calendar of Events
- Services
- Contact Us
- Subscribe
- Terms and Conditions
