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Possible radio wave precursors associated with the comet Shoemaker‐Levy 9/Jupiter impacts
Author(s) -
Farrell W. M.,
Kaiser M. L.,
Desch M. D.,
MacDowall R. J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/94gl01066
Subject(s) - jovian , comet , jupiter (rocket family) , physics , magnetosphere , saturn , astronomy , atmosphere (unit) , atmosphere of jupiter , astrobiology , spacecraft , plasma , planet , meteorology , quantum mechanics
We suggest that prior to its impact with Jupiter, comet Shoemaker‐Levy 9 will behave as an electrical generator in the Jovian magnetosphere, converting planetary rotational energy to electrical energy via a dust/plasma interaction. This electrical energy will then be deposited in the dayside auroral region where it may drive various auroral phenomena including cyclotron radio emission. Such emission could be detected by spacecraft like Ulysses and Galileo many hours prior to the actual comet impact with the upper atmosphere. We apply the theory originally developed to explain the spokes in Saturn's rings. This theory allows us to quantify the driving potential associated with the comet and, consequently, to determine the radio power created in the auroral region. We conclude that if enough fine dust is present in the cometary system, comet‐induced auroral radio emissions will reach detectable levels. This emission should be observable in the dayside hemisphere about 12–24 hours prior to each fragment impact.