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[61.13] Modeling Saturn's Ring Particle Reflectivities and Thermal Emission

J. Murrett (Harvard University), P. A. Yanamandra-Fisher (CIT/Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

Saturn's ring particles are predominantly composed of water ice; yet the exact composition, size, shape or structure is known. Based on near-infrared and middle infrared observations of Saturn and the rings from NASA/InfraRed Telescope Facility (IRTF), we are attempting to model the near-infrared reflectance spectra and thermal emission of Saturn's ring particles. Our computer simulations depend upon a variety of factors such as shape, size, composition, structure, water ice phase, surface and sub-surface porosity of the ring particles. We determine the full 4x4 scattering matrix for each of these factors to determine their influence on both the near-infrared reflectivity and thermal emission. We shall present results of our simulations and their implications

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.