Science Objectives
The main scientific objectives of the MIMI Investigation at Saturn are to:
- Determine the global configuration and dynamics of the hot plasmas in the magnetosphere of Saturn through energetic neutral particle imaging of
its ring current, radiation belts, and neutral clouds.
- Determine the sources of plasmas and energetic ions through in-situ measurements of energetic ion composition, spectra, charge state, and angular distributions.
- Search for and characterize such dynamical magnetospheric energy conversion processes as substorms.
- Determine through imaging and composition studies the magnetosphere-satellite interactions and the magnetosphere-ring interactions at Saturn and understand the formation of clouds of neutral hydrogen, nitrogen, and water products.
- Investigate the modification of satellite surfaces, rings, and atmospheres through plasma and radiation bombardment.
- Characterize and understand Titan's cometary interaction with Saturn's magnetosphere (and the solar wind) via high resolution imaging and in-situ ion and electron measurements.
- Measure the high energy particle component in the inner (< 5 Rs) magnetosphere to assess the Cosmic Ray Albedo (CRAND) source of energetic charged particles in the magnetosphere.
- Characterize the absorption of energetic ions and electrons by satellites and rings in order to determine particle loss and transport processes within the magnetosphere.
- Study magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling through remote sensing of aurorae and in-situ measurements of precipitating ions and electrons.
