Dusty Plasma Parameters in Saturn’s Magnetosphere

Abstract

The dusty plasma parameters of Saturn’s magnetosphere at different distances from the planet have been considered. Particular attention is paid to the parameters in the vicinity of the satellite Enceladus. The influence of the photoelectric effect caused by the interaction of the dust component of the plasma of Saturn’s magnetosphere with solar radiation on its parameters is considered. Because of the photoelectric effect, situations are possible when dust particles can acquire a positive charge despite the significant distance from the Sun. Both cases are considered: positive and negative charge of dust particles. The conditions under which dust particles can have a positive charge are determined. The dusty plasma parameters of Saturn’s magnetosphere are determined depending on the character of charging of dust particles. A qualitative method for determining situations when dust particles have a positive or negative charge is proposed.