30/julho/21 – The fate of Pallene’s diffuse ring (MSc Gustavo Madeira, GDOP/UNESP)

Here, we studied the dynamical evolution of micrometric particles forming the ring of Pallene, considering gravitational and non-gravitational forces. Non-gravitational forces are responsible for particles’ vertical excursions and outward migration, in relation to the satellite’s orbit. By estimating Pallene’s mass production rate, we found that it could be responsible for keeping the ring in steady-state, only if it is mainly composed of large micrometre particles. If the ring is mainly composed of particles with a few micrometres in radius, it will spread out, radially and vertically, until it finally disappears.