Low-energy plasma ion observations in Saturn's magnetosphere
Attention is given to observational data gathered by Voyager plasma experiments in Saturn's magnetosphere which indicate that the number density and temperature of the plasma in the outer magnetosphere are very variable. The H(+) and either O(+) or N(+) ionic components resolved do not have the same thermal speeds or temperatures. There is some evidence for inward and outward radial flow, in addition to the azimuthal motion, in approximately one-third of the Voyager 1 cold ion spectra. The sources of the plasma are still undetermined. The plasma sheet becomes well established within 16 Saturn radii from the planet in the Voyager 1 data, and within 10 radii in the Voyager 2 data. In general, the plasma and magnetic field appear to be in dynamical equilibrium. In comparing the Saturn magnetosphere to that of Jupiter, much less acceleration of low energy plasma to high energies is found in Saturn.