Abstract
The transient radio S-bursts from Jupiter are strongly correlated with the orbital position of the satellite Io for all wave frequencies between 8 MHz and 30 MHz, and with system III longitude above about 15 MHz. The observations are most easily explained if the electrons generating the S-bursts are confined to the planetary magnetic flux tube intersecting Io (the IFT)1. The primary source of the electron energy is thought to be the electromotive force (EMF) generated by the relative motion of Io across the Jupiter magnetic field, the S-bursts being the result of convective instabilities in the consequent current flow in the IFT. The electrons are assumed to emit coherent electromagnetic radiation in the Doppler cyclotron mode as they travel up the IFT after being accelerated near its feet in the Jupiter ionosphere to energies of a few keV (refs 2–4).
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Whitham, P. S. Nature 272, 40 (1978).
Ellis, G. R. A. Nature 253, 415 (1975).
Desch, M. D., Flagg, R. S. & May, J. Nature 272, 38 (1978).
Goldreich, P. & Lynden-Bell, D. Astrophys. J. 156, 59 (1969).
Ellis, G. R. A. Proc. astr. Soc. Aust. 2, 236 (1974).
Acuna, M. H. & Ness, N. F. Goddard Space Flight Center Rep. X690-75-125 (1975).
Ellis, G. R. A. Proc. astr. Soc. Aust. 2, 135 (1972).
Whitham, P. S. thesis, Univ. Tasmania (1979).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ellis, G. The source of the Jupiter S-bursts. Nature 283, 48–50 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283048a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/283048a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.