This is a drawing of the magnetosphere of Saturn.
Click on image for full size

An Overview of Saturn's Magnetosphere

Saturn's magnetosphere is not as big as Jupiter's, but is very large nonetheless. It extends well beyond the orbits of Saturn's moons. It is probably generated in the same manner as is Jupiter's, which affects its overall shape and structure.

The rings of Saturn affect the motion of particles in the magnetosphere, as well as keeping the plasmasphere small. The size of the plasmasphere is also affected by the fact that Saturn's moon Titan does not contribute as large a cloud of material (torus) to the magnetosphere as is the case with Jupiter's moon Io.

Saturn's magnetosphere produces beautiful aurora, as well as strong radio emissions and other waves, such as whistler waves.


Last modified June 3, 2003 by Randy Russell.

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