A new numerical model for the simulation of ELF wave propagation and the computation of eigenmodes in the atmosphere of Titan: Did Huygens observe any Schumann resonance? - INSU - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers Access content directly
Journal Articles Planetary and Space Science Year : 2007

A new numerical model for the simulation of ELF wave propagation and the computation of eigenmodes in the atmosphere of Titan: Did Huygens observe any Schumann resonance?

Abstract

The propagation of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves in the Earth's ionospheric cavity and the associated resonance phenomena have been extensively studied, in relation with lightning activity. We perform a similar investigation for Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. There are important differences between Earth and Titan, as far as the cavity geometry, the atmospheric electron density profile, and the surface conductivity are concerned. We present an improved 3D finite element model that provides an estimate of the lowest eigenfrequencies, associated quality factors ( Q-factors), and ELF electric field spectra. The data collected by the electric antenna of the Permittivity, Waves, and Altimetry (PWA) instrument reveals the existence of a narrow-band signal at about 36 Hz during the entire descent of Huygens upon Titan. We assess the significance of these measurements against the model predictions, with due consideration to the experimental uncertainties.

Dates and versions

insu-03611267 , version 1 (17-03-2022)

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Cite

Fernando Simões, R. Grard, Michel Hamelin, J. J. López-Moreno, K. Schwingenschuh, et al.. A new numerical model for the simulation of ELF wave propagation and the computation of eigenmodes in the atmosphere of Titan: Did Huygens observe any Schumann resonance?. Planetary and Space Science, 2007, 55, pp.1978-1989. ⟨10.1016/j.pss.2007.04.016⟩. ⟨insu-03611267⟩
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