Orbital period of saturn
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Orbital Period of Saturn: Insights from Recent Research
Saturn's Orbital Period and Cassini Mission Data
The orbital period of Saturn, the time it takes for the planet to complete one full orbit around the Sun, is approximately 29.5 Earth years. This long orbital period has been studied extensively, particularly during the Cassini mission, which provided valuable data over a significant portion of Saturn's orbit. The Cassini spacecraft's mission spanned from 2004 to 2017, covering more than one-third of Saturn's orbital period. This extensive dataset has allowed researchers to refine the parameters of Saturn's orbit, including its inclination and ascending node longitude, with unprecedented precision1.
Saturn's Rotation Period and Magnetic Field Observations
In addition to its orbital period, Saturn's rotation period has been a subject of study. The rotation period, which is the time it takes for Saturn to complete one rotation on its axis, has been measured using various methods, including radio emissions and magnetic field data. Recent observations have determined that Saturn's rotation period is approximately 10 hours, 32 minutes, and 35 seconds, which is slightly shorter than previous estimates9. This more rapid rotation implies adjustments in the understanding of Saturn's atmospheric dynamics and internal structure.
Planetary Period Oscillations and Magnetospheric Studies
Saturn's magnetosphere exhibits planetary period oscillations, which are variations in the magnetic field that occur with a period close to the planet's rotation period. These oscillations have been studied using data from the Cassini mission, particularly during the northern summer solstice interval from 2015 to 2017. The oscillation periods for the northern and southern systems were found to be nearly constant at approximately 10.79 hours and 10.68 hours, respectively6. These findings provide insights into the complex interactions within Saturn's magnetosphere and its response to solar and planetary influences.
Implications for Saturn's Gravitational Field and Interior Structure
The precise measurement of Saturn's rotation period has significant implications for understanding its gravitational field and interior structure. The Cassini spacecraft's gravitational data, combined with earlier data from Pioneer and Voyager missions, have been used to model Saturn's internal rotation and structure. The findings suggest a molecular-to-metallic hydrogen transition about halfway to the planet's center, which affects the distribution of mass and the dynamics of Saturn's atmosphere9.
Conclusion
The study of Saturn's orbital and rotational periods, along with its magnetic field and internal structure, has been greatly advanced by data from the Cassini mission. These insights not only refine our understanding of Saturn's dynamics but also provide a foundation for future research on the gas giant and its complex system. The precise measurements and observations continue to reveal the intricate details of Saturn's behavior and its interactions with the surrounding space environment.
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Very Long Baseline Array Astrometry of Cassini: The Final Epochs and an Improved Orbit of Saturn
The Cassini spacecraft's VLBA radio astrometry has improved our knowledge of Saturn's orbit, enabling better predictions of its inclination and ascending node longitude.
Radio and Plasma Wave Observations at Saturn from Cassini's Approach and First Orbit
Cassini's radio and plasma wave instruments observed a longer radio rotation period for Saturn, intense impulsive radio signals from lightning, and strong electrodynamic interactions near the rings.
Highly CitedThe CORALIE survey for southern extra-solar planets VII - Two short-period Saturnian companions to HD 108147 and HD 168746
Two lightest Saturn-mass companions were discovered using the CORALIE echelle spectrograph, with the weighted cross-correlation technique improving photon noise and reducing telluric absorption line effects.
Highly CitedNGTS-11 b (TOI-1847 b): A Transiting Warm Saturn Recovered from a TESS Single-transit Event
NGTS-11 b is a transiting warm Saturn with a radius of, mass of, and an equilibrium temperature of just K, making it one of the coolest known gas giants.
Sculpting the Sub-Saturn Occurrence Rate via Atmospheric Mass Loss
Atmospheric mass loss can reduce sub-Saturn occurrence rates, potentially constraining core formation theories of gas-rich planets.
Planetary Period Oscillations in Saturn's Magnetosphere: Cassini Magnetic Field Observations Over the Northern Summer Solstice Interval
Saturn's planetary period oscillations show a reversal in sign of radial component oscillations, but not of colatitudinal component oscillations, during the study period from September 2015 to September 2017.
Drift-resonant, relativistic electron acceleration at the outer planets: Insights from the response of Saturn's radiation belts to magnetospheric storms
Saturn's radiation belts can be accelerated to ultra-relativistic energies by variable global electric fields, potentially affecting the planet's magnetosphere and ring current.
The orbital history of two periodic comets encountering Saturn
Short-period comets P/1997 T3 and P/1998 U3 experienced dramatic orbital changes when they encountered Saturn, leading to deep Jupiter-crossing orbits.
Saturn's Gravitational Field, Internal Rotation, and Interior Structure
The Cassini spacecraft has determined that Saturn has a rotation period of 10 hours, 32 minutes, and 35 13 seconds, with slower equatorial wind speeds and a molecular-to-metallic hydrogen transition near the planet's center.
Highly CitedTitan's Rotation Reveals an Internal Ocean and Changing Zonal Winds
Titan's rotational period is changing, suggesting an internal ocean and seasonal exchange of angular momentum between the surface and atmosphere.
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