Fine-scale density wave structure of Saturn's A, B, and C rings

Abstract

Abstract. In view of the possibility of employing Cassini's experiments for the diagnosis of the Saturnian ring system, local N -body simulations of low and moderately high optical depth regions of Saturn's main rings are presented. A special emphasis is made on fine-scale spiral structures (irregular cylindric wave-type structures of the order of 100 m or so) of Saturn's A, B, and C rings. It is predicted that Cassini spacecraft high-resolution images of Saturn's rings will reveal this kind of small-scale irregular density wave structure.