Analysis of Ion Cyclotron Waves during Cassini’s Flybys of Enceladus

Abstract

Ion cyclotron waves (ICWs) are ubiquitous phenomena within Saturn’s magnetosphere, particularly in the vicinity of Enceladus. This study focuses on the Cassini spacecraft’s flyby data of Enceladus to investigate the spatial distribution and properties of ICWs. We categorize ICWs into two distinct types based on their frequency characteristics: Type I, with frequencies deviating from the local ion cyclotron trend, detected during high-inclination flybys; and Type II, with frequencies closely following the local trend, observed during horizontal flybys. Moreover, we identify the simultaneous detection of ICWs and magnetosonic waves within Saturn’s magnetosphere, providing new insights into their generation and propagation mechanisms. Our results show that ICWs serve as crucial diagnostic tools for evaluating local plasma conditions and the dynamics of Saturn’s magnetosphere. Furthermore, this study highlights the broader implications of ICWs for comparative planetary magnetospheric research, providing guidance for investigating similar processes at other planetary systems, such as Jupiter’s moons Io and Europa.