IMAGE-POLAR Concurrent Plasmapause Observations

Abstract

Two critical issues that influence the quantitative scientific value of the IMAGE Ultraviolet Camera (EUV) are: (1) the accuracy with which EUV imaging can be used to determine the position/location of the plasmapause; and (2) the sensitivity threshold of the EUV instrument. These issues are addressed through analysis of concurrent observations of the plasmasphere/plasmapause made remotely using IMAGE EUV and in-situ with the Polar/TIDE/EFI instruments. Preliminary results are presented with regards to the validity of the extraction of the plasmapause using EUV and initial in-flight, in-situ estimates of the EUV sensitivity threshold.