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[7.02] New Structures Observed in Cassini SOI Images of Saturn's Main Rings

E. J. Baker, C.C. Porco, J. N. Spitale (Space Science Inst.), C. D. Murray (Queen Mary University of London, UK), Cassini Imaging Team

Some of the images obtained by the Cassini Imaging Science experiment immediately after the Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI) maneuver uncovered ring structures and phenomena never before seen in images of Saturn's rings. Some of these are `straw'-like structures observed in the troughs of certain density waves observed predominantly in the higher resolution, dark side images of the rings. This structure appears to have a characteristic size and tilt relative to the orbital motion of the particles. Also observed is a confused, mottled structure confined to narrow ring regions (< 10 km) seen in both dark- and lit-side images. The viewing geometies, physical characteristics, dynamical environments and satellite resonance associations (if any) of these structures will be presented and discussed. We acknowledge the support of the Cassini Project, JPL/NASA.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #4
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.