The free oscillations of Jupiter and Saturn

Abstract The periods and the eigenfunctions have been calculated for the fundamental modes and for the overtones of spheroidal oscillations of Jupiter and Saturn. Along with ordinary oscillations, the core oscillations appear; these eigenfunctions are localized in the planetary core and have an exponential attenuation to the surface. The rotational splittings of the free oscillations have been calculated. Because of rapid planetary rotation, these splittings were found to be of the order of differences between undisturbed frequences. The idea is proposed that the rotational splitting of the spectrum of Saturn may present in the future the unique possibility of determining the bodily rotation period of the planet.

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