Titan Atmospheric Loss Along Magnetic Field Lines
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
16-5-2021
End Date
22-5-2021
Keywords
Titan, Atmosphere, Space
Abstract
Titan is the largest moon orbiting Saturn that is comparable in size to planets present in our solar system. Titan is compelling because the makeup of Titan’s atmosphere has a likeness to Earth’s. The scientific community is interested in understanding the loss rates of Titan’s atmosphere. The problem I am solving involves Titan’s atmospheric loss via outflow along the magnetic field of Saturn. Photochemical reactions in Titan’s atmosphere produce ions and photoelectrons that are more energetic than electrons normally found in the charged upper portion of the atmosphere, commonly known as the ionosphere. Energetic electrons escape along the magnetic field lines and create a charge-separation, making it possible for these ions to be pulled from the atmosphere due to the electric field created. The goal is to estimate loss rates due to ion outflow along these field lines. I have analyzed magnetic field data and electron density data collected from the Cassini spacecraft. I will establish the framework for a one-dimensional model to simulate ion outflow along magnetic field lines due to the ambipolar electric field. Future projects may involve more analysis and the creation of a model for two or three dimensions.
Recommended Citation
Dennis, Marc, "Titan Atmospheric Loss Along Magnetic Field Lines" (2021). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 75.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/COTS/75
Department/Program
Physics
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/titan-atmospheric-loss-along-magnetic-field-lines/
Titan Atmospheric Loss Along Magnetic Field Lines
Ellensburg
Titan is the largest moon orbiting Saturn that is comparable in size to planets present in our solar system. Titan is compelling because the makeup of Titan’s atmosphere has a likeness to Earth’s. The scientific community is interested in understanding the loss rates of Titan’s atmosphere. The problem I am solving involves Titan’s atmospheric loss via outflow along the magnetic field of Saturn. Photochemical reactions in Titan’s atmosphere produce ions and photoelectrons that are more energetic than electrons normally found in the charged upper portion of the atmosphere, commonly known as the ionosphere. Energetic electrons escape along the magnetic field lines and create a charge-separation, making it possible for these ions to be pulled from the atmosphere due to the electric field created. The goal is to estimate loss rates due to ion outflow along these field lines. I have analyzed magnetic field data and electron density data collected from the Cassini spacecraft. I will establish the framework for a one-dimensional model to simulate ion outflow along magnetic field lines due to the ambipolar electric field. Future projects may involve more analysis and the creation of a model for two or three dimensions.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/COTS/75
Faculty Mentor(s)
Darci Snowden