Cassini ion and neutral mass spectrometer: Enceladus plume composition and structure

Science. 2006 Mar 10;311(5766):1419-22. doi: 10.1126/science.1121290.

Abstract

The Cassini spacecraft passed within 168.2 kilometers of the surface above the southern hemisphere at 19:55:22 universal time coordinated on 14 July 2005 during its closest approach to Enceladus. Before and after this time, a substantial atmospheric plume and coma were observed, detectable in the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) data set out to a distance of over 4000 kilometers from Enceladus. INMS data indicate that the atmospheric plume and coma are dominated by water, with significant amounts of carbon dioxide, an unidentified species with a mass-to-charge ratio of 28 daltons (either carbon monoxide or molecular nitrogen), and methane. Trace quantities (<1%) of acetylene and propane also appear to be present. Ammonia is present at a level that does not exceed 0.5%. The radial and angular distributions of the gas density near the closest approach, as well as other independent evidence, suggest a significant contribution to the plume from a source centered near the south polar cap, as distinct from a separately measured more uniform and possibly global source observed on the outbound leg of the flyby.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / analysis
  • Atmosphere
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Evolution, Planetary
  • Extraterrestrial Environment* / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Methane / analysis
  • Saturn*
  • Spacecraft
  • Water / analysis

Substances

  • Water
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Ammonia
  • Methane