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Stansberry, K. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Stansberry, K. G..

Jupiter's radiation belts

Fluxes of electrons and protons in Jupiter's radiation belts are calculated with the source (radial diffusion inward from the solar wind) and the loss (synchroton radiation). The calculations are tested against the measured radio-wave wavelength distribution, the radio-wave distribution with distance from Jupiter, and the degree of polarization of the radio waves. The Fokker-Planck equation is solved by using the method of Farley and Walt (1971) with the fixed flux at the outer boundary and the zero flux at Jupiter's surface. It is found, in agreement with Brice and McDonough (1973), Jacques and Davis (1973), and Birmingham et al. (1974), that the usual magnetic and electric diffusions, which vary as L to the 10th power and L to the 6th power, respectively, are insufficient to furnish the required electrons and that the diffusion driven by ionospheric winds of Brice and McDonough is strong enough to furnish Jupiter's belts. An additional loss mechanism close to Jupiter is required to remove the electrons, particularly those at low energies.

Stansberry, K. G.↗

Radiation belts of Jupiter

The results of a theoretical study of the radiation belts of Jupiter are presented. The model of the electron radiation belt is based on the assumption that electrons from the solar wind are transported into the region near Jupiter by radial diffusion. The diffusion is driven by electric fields caused by an upper atmospheric dynamo in Jupiter's ionosphere. A proton radiation belt at Jupiter is predicted.

Stansberry, K. G.↗