Surface waves on Saturn's magnetopause

► Surface waves on a planetary magnetopause transport energy into the magnetosphere. ► Differences in the level of wave activity across Saturn's magnetopause has been predicted. ► Kelvin-Helmholtz waves often form on Saturn's magnetopause surface. ► There is no evidence for the predicted difference across the surface. ► We need to revise our understanding of surface waves on Saturn's magnetopause.