Currents in Titan's Ionosphere

Changing magnetic field configurations experienced by Titan as it orbits Saturn can induce currents in the conductive ionosphere of Titan. These induced currents in turn generate ionospheric magnetic fields that deflect the incident plasma and shield out the external magnetic field. By measuring magnetic field perturbations, we can calculate the current densities necessary to create the observed perturbations (with some restrictive assumptions). We determine horizontal currents in the ionosphere of Titan from magnetic field perturbations during Cassini flybys closer than 1500 km, i.e., within the collisional ionosphere. Data from individual flybys with similar trajectories can show significantly different ionospheric current configurations. By grouping the flybys by external magnetic field and plasma conditions and Titan orbital position, we attempt to determine how ionospheric currents change with respect to external conditions. These currents induced in Titan’s ionosphere are but one way Saturn’s magnetospheric environment impacts ionospheric processes and dynamics at Titan.