The dynamic inducing magnetic field signal at Triton
Author(s)
Wivell, L
Dougherty, MK
Masters, A
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Triton, Neptune's largest moon, is suspected of harboring a subsurface ocean. Detecting sub-surface oceans requires measuring the ocean's induced magnetic field, typically exploiting common frequencies at which the field environment of the moon changes, in this case Triton's path through Neptune's magnetosphere. Triton's orbit around Neptune, whilst nearly completely circular, is highly inclined, with an inclination of approximately 157° to Neptune's equator. This results in a rotation signal strength and frequency which has significant orbital dependence, unlike at other ocean worlds. The work conducted in this study highlights how the inducing signal at Triton is dynamic in both power and frequency caused by Triton's high inclination. This means that there is a richer set of frequency signals than previously thought, that may be useful for induction studies. This work quantifies the effect that Triton's inclination has on the inducing signal, and rules out other potential sources of signal disruption.
Date Issued
2026-02-28
Date Acceptance
2026-01-28
Citation
Geophysical Research Letters, 2026, 53 (4)
ISSN
0094-8276
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Journal / Book Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
53
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
e2025GL120232
Date Publish Online
2026-02-18