09/out/20 – Seismology with Saturn’s Rings (Dr. Matthew Hedman, University of Idaho)

Saturn’s rings are not just collections of particles in orbit around the planet, they are also powerful tools for investigating the internal structure of Saturn itself. More specifically, spiral patterns in the inner part of the ring system appear to be generated by oscillations and asymmetries inside the planet.  These features have already provided a number of novel insights into Saturn’s interior, including evidence for a stably stratified layer deep beneath its clouds and new estimates of the planet’s bulk rotation rate. More and more of these patterns are still being discovered and identified, which should provide further information about the planet’s internal dynamics.