Discrete wave packets upstream from the earth and comets

Abstract

Discrete wave packets are nearly monochromatic waves lasting several wave cycles which are frequently found on the leading edge of steepened low-frequency waves or shocklets upstream from the earth's bow shock. Similarly appearing waves are present at comet Giacobini-Zinner. To determine if these waves are the same as those observed at earth a detailed comparison of the properties of the two sets of waves is presented. The waves have very similar amplitudes, durations, and directions of propagation. Thus it is concluded that the source mechanism for the two phenomena must be the same, i.e., wave steepening.