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NASA NTRS1972

The interrelationship of magnetospheric processes.

Steady-state convection of plasma in the magnetosphere is quantitatively calculated for the case of a non-negligible magnetospheric plasma pressure. The problem is simplified by retaining only the essential physical features of the interplay between the driving processes and the ionosphere; the dominant contributor to the total plasma pressure is assumed to be the proton population of the plasma sheet and the ring current (this entire continuous population is simply called the ring current). This ring current is shown to be the major factor in determining the convection pattern rather than being only a small correction as was supposed in studies that assumed negligible magnetospheric plasma pressure. The effect of the ring current is to virtually exclude convection from the low-latitude region bounded by it, creating a nearly circular convection-free zone.

Vasyliunas, V. M.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The configuration of the magnetosphere.

Brief survey of current notions on the magnetosphere, such as they result from the just completed first decade of in situ magnetospheric exploration. A discussion of the open versus the closed magnetosphere hypotheses and, in particular, of flux transport and substorm phase growth is followed by consideration of a model for the expansion phase of substorms and a review of the requirements for further progress.

Russell, C. T.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Plasma entry into the earth's magnetosphere.

Several recent observation and measurement results concerning plasma entry into the earth's magnetosphere are discussed in terms of only one magnetospheric model believed currently to provide a relatively self-consistent description for both high- and low-altitude surveys. Some of the criticisms the presented overall picture of the magnetosphere elicits in the light of present observational knowledge are examined, and major uncertainties are reviewed.

Frank, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Induced magnetosphere of the moon. II - Experimental results from Apollo 12 and Explorer 35.

The asymmetric lunar electromagnetic induction theory of Schubert et al. (1973) is tested by using data from the Apollo 12 Lunar Surface Magnetometer and from the Ames magnetometer on Explorer 35. The comparison of data and theory shows that the moon displays an induction asymmetry due to the flow of the solar wind and the formation of the diamagnetic cavity on the darkside. It is inferred that the induced field forms a magnetospheric-like configuration, with the field confined mostly to the crust of the moon. Although the magnetospheric spectrum is time-dependent for all frequencies examined, the distance traveled by the solar wind is so large that a quasi-static magnetospheric configuration can be assumed. The differential power spectrum of the interplanetary magnetic field that excites the moon is compared with the resulting induction spectrum, which has a linear differential power frequency dependence over the frequency range from .0002 to .02 Hz, falling off on either side of these limits. The integrated power in this band is about 5 gamma squared for the interplanetary field local north-south component and about 12 gamma squared for the induced spectrum of this component on the lunar surface.

Smith, B. F.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Amplitude variations of whistler-mode signals caused by their interaction with energetic electrons of the magnetosphere

Whistler mode waves that propagate through the magnetosphere exchange energy with energetic electrons by wave-particle interaction mechanisms. Using linear theory, a detailed investigation is presented of the resulting amplitude variations of the wave as it propagates. Arbitrary wave frequency and direction of propagation are considered. A general class of electron distributions that are nonseparable in particle energy and pitch-angle is proposed. It is found that the proposed distribution model is consistent with available whistler and particle observations. This model yields insignificant amplitude variation over a large frequency band, a feature commonly observed in whistler data. This feature implies a certain equilibrium between waves and particles in the magnetosphere over a wide spread of particle energy, and is relevant to plasma injection experiments and to monitoring the distribution of energetic electrons in the magnetosphere.

Bernard, L. C.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Critique of fluid theory of magnetospheric phenomena

Discussion of the limitations and shortcomings of the fluid theory of magnetospheric phenomena. Following a brief qualitative review of the various theoretical approaches and of their interrelation, some of the limitations of the fluid theory with respect to magnetospheric problems are outlined, and the subsequent fallacies are exposed. The idea of frozen field convection and the concept of field line annihilation or merging are criticized. In conclusion, a plea is made for a more balanced approach to magnetospheric problems.

Heikkila, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Magnetospheric field morphology at magnetically quiet times

Review of the magnetospheric morphology, using the method of the Delta B topology, where Delta B is the difference between the observed and a reference field. It is confirmed that Delta B continuously decreases inward to close distances from the earth at all local times. Extrapolating the statistical relation between Dst at the ground and the equatorial Delta B obtained from OGO-5 near perigee, it is shown that Dst is 54 gammas, when Delta B is zero at approximately 2 to 3 earth radii. Conversely, for a magnetically quiet condition as defined by Dst = 0, the average equatorial Delta B at these distances is -45 gammas. These results demonstrate the significance of the effects of the magnetospheric equatorial current that exists even at quiet times. A preliminary study of inclination shows that the field lines on the dusk side are more stretched out than on the dawn side. A comparison of declination on both sides indicates that the bending of the field lines toward the tail is greater near dusk than near dawn. These results suggest an appreciable dawn-dusk asymmetry in the configuration of the inner magnetospheric field.

Sugiura, M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Satellites and magnetospheres of the outer planets

The known properties of the satellites of the outer planets are reviewed and an attempt is made to provide explanations for some of the more striking features in terms of interaction with the planetary magnetospheres. It is pointed out that all the larger satellites, with the exception of Iapetus, are likely to lie within the magnetospheres of their respective planets at all times. Attention is given to the possibility that the satellites and other solid bodies situated within the planetary magnetospheres become charged to rather large electrical potentials. Satellite brightness variations are considered together with the atmospheres of the satellites.

Mendis, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Energetic electrons in Jupiter's magnetosphere

A theoretical model for the energetic electron fluxes in the Jovian magnetosphere is developed. Electrons are transported inward from the solar wind or Jovian magnetospheric tail by radial diffusion. The radial diffusion is driven by fluctuating ionospheric dynamo electric fields associated with a neutral-wind tidal eigenmode at ionospheric altitudes. The tidal mode is excited by the electromagnetic coupling of the solar wind to the polar ionosphere. Two injection models are considered: (1) electron penetration through the dayside magnetopause - low-energy model; and (2) injection of electrons from an assumed magnetospheric tail - high-energy model. Both thermal solar-wind electrons and energetic solar-flare electrons are considered.

Coroniti, F. V.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Certain problems in the physics of the magnetosphere

A review of experimental and theoretical studies devoted to analysis of physical processes in the magnetosphere is presented. Attention is focused on the interrelationships among the most important geophysical phenomena in the magnetosphere: magnetic storms, auroras, the radiation belts, and processes in the geomagnetic tail. Recommendations are submitted for future experiments that are needed for development of a theory of magnetospheric phenomena.

Yershkovich, A. I.↗

NASA NTRS1974

The design and development of a space laboratory to conduct magnetospheric and plasma research

A design study was conducted concerning a proposed shuttle-borne space laboratory for research on magnetospheric and plasma physics. A worldwide survey found two broad research disciplines of interest: geophysical studies of the dynamics and structure of the magnetosphere (including wave characteristics, wave-particle interactions, magnetospheric modifications, beam-plasma interactions, and energetic particles and tracers) and plasma physics studies (plasma physics in space, wake and sheath studies, and propulsion and devices). The Plasma Physics and Environmental Perturbation Laboratory (PPEPL) designed to perform experiments in these areas will include two 50-m booms and two maneuverable subsatellites, a photometer array, standardized proton, electron, and plasma accelerators, a high-powered transmitter for frequencies above 100 kHz, a low-power transmitter for VLF and below, and complete diagnostic packages. Problem areas in the design of a space plasma physics laboratory are indicated.

Rosen, A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling. II - Electric fields

An attempt is made to fit individual observations and theories into the broader network of magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere couplings as they affect the general behavior of quasi-static electric fields in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Particular attention is given to high-latitude processes, however, mid-latitude penetration of electric fields of magnetospheric origin during disturbed periods is discussed.

Banks, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Magnetospheric physics - Magnetic fields

A report on progress on magnetospheric magnetic fields during the years from 1971 to 1974 is presented. The topology of the magnetosphere is considered along with the bow shock, upstream phenomena, the magnetosheath and magnetopause, the polar cusp, and the tail and the plasma sheet. Attention is given to the outer magnetosphere and magnetic field models, questions of convection, field-aligned currents and electric fields, and aspects of merging.

Russell, C. T.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Characteristics of magnetospheric radio noise spectra

Magnetospheric radio noise spectra (30 kHz to 10 MHz) taken by IMP-6 and RAE-2 exhibit time-varying characteristics which are related to spacecraft position and magnetospheric processes. In the mid-frequency range (100-1,000 kHz) intense noise peaks rise by a factor of 100 or more above background; 80% of the peak frequencies are within the band 125 kHz to 600 kHz, and the peak occurs most often (18% of the time) at 280 kHz. This intense mid-frequency noise has been detected at radial distances from 1.3 Re to 60 Re on all sides of the Earth during magnetically quiet as well as disturbed periods. Maximum occurrence of the mid-frequency noise is in the evening to midnight hours where splash-type energetic particle precipitation takes place. ""Magnetospheric lightning'' can be invoked to explain the spectral shape of the observed spectra.

Herman, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Trajectory Traces of Charged Particles in the Magnetosphere

The characteristic enhancements of ring current particles with energies of about 1 to 100 keV, associated with magnetospheric substorms, were observed by Explorer 45 around the plasmapause in the afternoon to midnight region, and showed the characteristic structure called a 'nose' in the proton spectrograms. The motion of these particles in the equatorial magnetosphere, under a recently proposed convection electric field and a dipole magnetic field is described. Approximate equations of a bounce period, a second adiabatic invariant, and a bounce-average azimuthal velocity are given with inaccuracies less than about 0.001 for all pitch angles. The complete set of flow patterns of 90 deg pitch angle particles is also presented by means of stagnation lines through which radial drifts and/or azimuthal drifts change their directions. The particle tracings in the magnetosphere give a basic concept to explain the observed nose characteristics.

Ejiri, M.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Preliminary feasibility study of pallet-only mode for magnetospheric and plasmas in space payloads, volume 4

Results of studies performed on the magnetospheric and plasma portion of the AMPS are presented. Magnetospheric and plasma in space experiments and instruments are described along with packaging (palletization) concepts. The described magnetospheric and plasma experiments were considered as separate entities. Instrumentation ospheric and plasma experiments were considered as separate entities. Instrumentation requirements and operations were formulated to provide sufficient data for unambiguous interpretation of results without relying upon other experiments of the series. Where ground observations are specified, an assumption was made that large-scale additions or modifications to existing facilities were not required.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1975

VLF line radiation in the earth's magnetosphere and its association with power system radiation

In a recent experiment, discrete VLF emissions from the magnetosphere were triggered by a transmitter at Siple Station in Antarctica. Spectrograms of these signals as received at the conjugate point, Roberval, Quebec, showed changes in slope, entrainments, and cutoffs at frequencies (several kilohertz) close to the harmonic induction lines from the local 60-Hz power system. This observation led to the suggestion that harmonic radiation from the power system enters the magnetosphere and interacts with the triggered emissions. New evidence supporting this suggestion has been found in spectrograms of simultaneous recordings made at Roberval and at Siple Station in Antarctica. It is shown that line radiation, near harmonics of 60 Hz, travels along the earth's magnetic field in the whistler mode and is received in the conjugate hemisphere at Siple Station. Echoing of the line radiation between Siple and Roberval is often observed. The magnetospheric lines are usually shifted in frequency by 20-30 Hz with respect to the adjacent induction line, but their spacings are near 120 Hz. They may trigger and cut off emissions as do signals from VLF transmitters.

Helliwell, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Possibility of detecting magnetospheric radio bursts from Uranus and Neptune

The intensity of magnetospheric radio bursts (MRBs) is scaled to solar-wind input into planetary magnetospheres and the frequency of emission is scaled to polar surface magnetic-field strength in order to estimate the possibility of detecting MRBs from Uranus and Neptune. A scaling law is derived which relates the ratio of power radiated in MRBs to the solar-wind input for earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Power-flux spectra of MRBs from these three planets are plotted, and it is shown that Jupiter and Saturn may radiate 1% to 5% of the solar-wind energy input into their magnetospheres. The properties of MRBs from Uranus and Neptune are estimated by assuming a conversion efficiency of 1% to 5%, a bandwidth of half the peak frequency, and conformity of Uranus' and Neptune's dipole moments with the magnetic Bode's law. Based on the results, it is suggested that detection of MRBs from these two planets may be a reasonable cruise-mode radio-astronomy objective on future missions to the outer solar system.

Kennel, C. F.↗