A Kronian current sheet/magnetodisk model to study Titan's induced magnetosphere

BERTUCCI, C.; ACHILLEOS, N.; DOUGHERTY, M. K.

Congreso; European Planetary Science Congress 2012; 2012

In this work, we analyze and interpret magnetic field observations by Cassini during the T15 Titan flyby based on background magnetic field estimates provided by a new empirical model of Saturn´s field in the outer magnetosphere. This new model combines previously developed axis symmetrical stress-balance model of Saturn´s magnetodisk and a dynamic, empirical model of the magnetodisk´s current sheet shape to mimic Cassini magnetometer measurements around Titan. The model is quite efficient in providing a reliable estimate of the Kronian magnetic field where Titan sits in. The best fit model outputs are next used to interpret Cassini MAG data inside Titan´s induced magnetosphere using a coordinate system based on the upstream magnetic field and plasma flow velocity. In this new coordinate system, MAG data reveals an induced magnetotail whose magnetic structure is consistent with the draping of the modeled background magnetic field. As the background magnetic field varies in time during we compare results using time varying or static mean field coordinates. Finally, we discuss the implications of the use of this model for other Titan flybys and for theoretical studies involving time varying upstream conditions.