Ion-acoustic shock waves in a multi-ion plasma of Saturn's magnetosphere with superthermal electrons and ions

Saturn's iconic icy rings and its magnetic field's alignment with its rotation make it a standout among planets. One of its moons, Enceladus, serves as a source of multi-species plasma, primarily composed of positively charged ions such as H+, O+, O-2(+), O2+, N+, and H3O+ ions. This study investigates the persistence of ion acoustic shock waves in Saturn's magnetosphere, consisting of O2+ and N+ ions, along with superthermal electrons and H+ ions. Using the reductive perturbation technique, the Korteweg-de Vries-Burger (KdVB) equation was derived, and its solution was obtained through the tanh method. The findings reveal that parameters like the kappa values of electrons, ion densities, temperature, and kinematic viscosity of ion species significantly affect the shock wave characteristics in Saturn's magnetosphere. The study highlights the relevance of superthermality in plasma systems, its impact on shock profiles, and its connection to various plasma parameters. Notably, as the densities of N+ and H+ ions increase, so does the amplitude of the shock profile. On the other hand, higher kappa index values of H+ ions and hot and cold electrons can dampen the shock wave. Increased temperature and kinematic viscosity strengthen the shock profile. A transformation from shock to soliton was also verified. Our observations could provide momentum for future space explorations aimed at studying Saturn and other planets.