Magnetosphere-atmosphere coupling at Saturn: 1 - Response of thermosphere and ionosphere to steady state polar forcing

► We self-consistently calculate Saturn magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. ► Magnetospheric energy controls flow of mass and energy in Saturn's thermosphere. ► Thermospheric dynamics are key to understanding high latitude energy balance. ► H3+ observations combined with our simulations may constrain H2(v⩾4) abundances.