Abstract

Saturn's rings are a complex, dynamic system that can provide unique insight into the structure and features of the planet and surrounding system. We use stellar occultation data of Saturn's rings collected from the Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph to visualize and analyze bending waves present within the rings. Analysis of the propagation of these waves gives insight into the surface mass density of the local ring region and can be used to further our understanding of ring dynamics and ring formation. Our analysis of the Mimas 7:4 bending wave estimated a surface mass density between 30 g cm-2 and 43 g cm-2, corroborating the findings of Spilker et al. (2004) of 47 ± 6.2 g cm-2 and supporting our current understanding of linear wave theory. Our analysis of the Mimas 4:2 bending wave estimated the surface mass density to be between 33 g cm-2 and 47 g cm-2 and was of particular interest since this wave is found in the relatively uncharacterized B ring region.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Colwell, Joshua

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Release Date

5-1-2022

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