The Magnetosphere of Saturn

This talk will summarize our present understanding of the global configuration of Saturn's magnetosphere. This configuration is the result of a complex, non-linear interplay between solar wind interaction, fast rotation of a magnetized planet, and significant plasma sources inside the magnetosphere. Saturn’s magnetosphere is dominated by water group molecules and ions originating from Enceladus, the other icy satellites and the spectacular rings of Saturn. Properties of Saturn’s magnetospheric plasma, magnetic field and radio emissions vary at a ~10.7 hour period, close to the period of planetary rotation with drifts of ~1% per year. Identifying the source of the periodicity has proved challenging. We will discuss the possibility of an atmospheric source of the observed periodicities.