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At least 433 records · Page 24

Ulysses above the sun's south pole: an introduction

Ulysses has explored the field and particle environment of the sun's polar region. The solar wind speed was fast and nearly constant above -50 degrees latitude. Compositional differences were observed in slow (low-latitude) solar wind and in fast (high-latitude) solar wind. The radial magnetic field did not change with latitude, implying that polar cap magnetic fields are transported toward the equator. The intensity of galactic cosmic rays was nearly independent of latitude. Their access to the polar region is opposed by outward-traveling, large amplitude waves in the magnetic field.

Solar System↗

Discrepancy in proton flux extrapolation along field lines in the middle Jovian magnetosphere

Fluxes of energetic electrons and protons in Jupiter's outer magnetosphere were observed to be modulated with the 10 hour rotation period of the planet. This modulation was due to the concentration of particles at the magnetic equator: the non-alignment of Jupiter's spin and rotation axes caused Pioneer-10 to oscillate between +20 deg and -19 deg magnetic latitude and hence, between regions of stronger and weaker fluxes. The relationship between electron and proton fluxes observed off the magnetic equator was countered with measurements at the equatorial crossing radii of the same flux tubes by applying Liouville's theorem with the assumption that particles move conserving their magnetic moments. A magnetic model which matches the intensity and direction of the magnetic field along the Pioneer 10 trajectory was used for determining the positions of the equatorial crossings. Energetic electrons compared in this way appear to be consistently described. Protons, on the other hand, show much weaker fluxes at the off-equatorial points than would be predicted by this simple application of Liouville's theorem.

Schardt, A. W.↗

Superthermal electrons and Bernstein waves in Jupiter's inner magnetosphere

A theoretical model for generation of banded electrostatic emissions by low density, superthermal electrons is developed for application to Jupiter's magnetosphere. The model employs a power law form for the energy dependence and a loss cone pitch angle distribution of the superthermals to drive convective instability of Bernstein modes. A direct correspondence between spectral features of the 3/2 band and resonant superthermal electrons is found. The concept of a critical flux of resonant electrons able to provide 10 e-foldings of electric field amplification yields an explicit relation in terms of the background thermal electron pressure. This result is used to construct a theoretical/empirical model of thermal electron density and temperature from 6-20 Jupiter radii in the Jovian magnetosphere which suggests that the electron temperature is less than the ion temperature which is approximately equal to 10 times the electron temperature in this region. Finally, wave ray paths are computed for propagation in the magnetic equator and in the magnetic meridional plane of a dipole magnetic field. These ray paths suggest that intense wave activity is tightly confined to a small latitudinal extent, less than + or - approximately 4 deg, about the magnetic equator.

Barbosa, D. D.↗

On the distortion of the Jovian magnetic field R greater than about 40 Jovian radii as deduced from charged particle studies

The relationship between the rotation of Jupiter's magnetic field and time variations in the intensity of nearly 6 to 30 MeV electrons observed by Pioneer 10 in the outer regions of Jupiter's magnetosphere is considered. The 6-30 MeV electron flux showed regular intensity variations with a period of approximately 10 hours. The behavior of this energetic electron flux is found to be most consistent with confinement of particles to a magnetic equatorial plane which is considerably distorted from the shape expected for rigid corotation of the magnetic field with Jupiter. The distortion is likely to arise from stresses resulting from interaction of the magnetosphere with the solar wind and from inertial effects of the magnetospheric plasma.

Mckibben, R. B.↗

The enigma of lunar magnetism

Current understandings of the nature and probable origin of lunar magnetism are surveyed. Results of examinations of returned lunar samples are discussed which reveal the main carrier of the observed natural remanent magnetization to be iron, occasionally alloyed with nickel and cobalt, but do not distinguish between thermoremanent and shock remanent origins, and surface magnetometer data is presented, which indicates small-scale magnetic fields with a wide range of field intensities implying localized, near-surface sources. A detailed examination is presented of orbital magnetometer and charged particle data concerning the geologic nature and origin of magnetic anomaly sources and the directional properties of the magnetization, which exhibit a random distribution except for a depletion in the north-south direction. A lunar magnetization survey with global coverage provided by a polar orbiting satellite is suggested as a means of placing stronger constraints on the origin of lunar crustal magnetization.

Hood, L. L.↗

On the predominance of the radial component of the magnetic field in the solar corona

In this paper, the polarized intensity measurements of the Fe XIII 10747 A line described by Arnaud are placed, for the first time, in the context of the corresponding pB images from the HAO Mauna Loa MkIII K-Coronameter, which first became available in 1980. It is shown how the predominance of the radial direction of the coronal magnetic field at solar maximum is consistent with radially expanding magnetic field lines coexisting with the large-scale structures associated with streamers.

solar wind corona↗

Bursty, Broadband Electromagnetic Waves Associated with Three-Dimensional Nulls Observed in Turbulent Magnetosheath Reconnection

We investigate observations of intense bursts of electromagnetic wave energy in association with the thin current layers of turbulent magnetosheath reconnection. These observed emissions - typically detected in the layers immediately outside of the current layer proper - form two distinct types: (i) broadband emissions that extend continuously to lOs of Hertz; and (ii) structured bursts of emitted energy that occur above 80-Hz, often displaying features reminiscent of absorption bands and are observed near the local minima in the magnetic field. We present detailed analyses of these intense bursts of electromagnetic energy and quantify their proximity to X-IO-nulls and magnetic spine connected null pairs, as well as their correlation - if any - to the amount of magnetic energy converted by the process of magnetic reconnection.

Adrian, Mark L.↗

Flow and Crystallization in Two-Layer Liquid Systems with and without a Magnetic Field

Flow, heat and mass transfer in a two-layer liquid system is investigated when the layers are subjected to a static magnetic field. The physical system consists of two immiscible liquids in a layer configuration with a free surface and an interfacial layer simulating two crystal growth configurations, namely, floating zone and horizontal zone melting. Mass transfer effects due to crystallization of one of the layers is also considered. The resulting flows are categorized into three types depending on: (a) the dominance of the free surface effect top layer, (b) a balance between the thermocapillary effect on the free surface and the interface effect between the two layers, or (c) the dominance of interfacial effects, in determining the system thermo-fluid characteristics. The use of an additional liquid layer atop the crystallizing layer leads to a reduction of the radial dopant inhomogeneity in comparison to the one-layer case. The effect an externally imposed magnetic field on dopant distribution in this two-layer configuration is rather ambiguous and depends on its direction and intensity resulting in the necessity of optimizing the applied magnetic field for a specific situation. In case of electrically non-conducting melts, the calculations show that some measure of flow control can be achieved by using an electrically conducting encapsulant layer of the desired thickness.

Feonychev, Alexander I.↗

Cosmic-ray variations and magnetic field fluctuations in the outer heliosphere

We have formally confirmed that galactic cosmic ray intensity variations measured by Voyager 2 during recovery from solar maximum are caused by travelling compressions and rarefactions in the mean interplanetary magnetic field. We used Voyager's nearly continuous magnetic field data as input to a time-independent, spherically-symmetric, cosmic ray transport equation in the force-field approximation. The solutions closely followed the count rate of cosmic rays greater than 75 MeV/nucleon over four years. This strongly supports prior theoretical assertions that turbulent interaction regions travelling with the solar wind are the major cause of the solar-cycle variation of galactic cosmic rays in the ecliptic region.

Perko, J. S.↗

Formation of the lunar crust - An electrical source of heating

A model for formation of the lunar crust based on heating by electrical induction is explored, while adherence is maintained to certain constraints associated with existing models of the solar system. The heating mechanism is based on eddy current induction from disordered magnetic fields swept outwards by an intense (T Tauri-like) plasma flow from the sun. The electrical theory is an alternative to intense short-period accretion as a source of heat for the evolution of lunar maria and highlands, provided that long-lived radioactives are not swept to the surface from too large a melt volume during the initial thermal episode. This formation of the lunar highlands does not intrinsically require rapid accretion, nor on this basis is the time of formation of the planets generally restricted to a very short time. The threshold temperature for eddy current heating is attained by either a solar nebula at 300-400 C during formation of the moon or a very low energy long-period accumulation of the moon, both leading to melting in ten to the fifth to ten to the seventh power years.

Sonett, C. P.↗

The Forbush decrease of November 17, 1966

The Forbush decrease of November 17, 1966, takes place in two steps, a predecrease is followed by the main decrease. SSCs are observed on both occasions. The decrease is modest, short-lived, and is preceded and followed by an exceptionally steady level of the cosmic ray intensity. Preliminary results from a phenomenological study are presented. The observed changes in the cosmic ray intensity are correlated with interplanetary magnetic field direction at the onset of the predecrease and during part of the recovery phase. A simple explanation is given for the fact that the predecrease is not observed at the stations in the European-zone. It appears that a preferential recovery takes place from some directions in space, during the recovery phase of the Forbush decrease. Off-ecliptic scattering of lower energy cosmic rays is probably responsible for this. The same phenomena is probably also responsible for the difference between the amplitudes of the predecrease observed at different stations.

Ahluwalia, H. S.↗

Photometry of AM Herculis - A slow optical pulsar

Multicolor photometry of the X-ray binary AM Her suggests that the red component of the optical flux is closely related to the source of optical circular polarization in the system. It is concluded from the periodic modulation of flux in the U through R bands, which is particularly well-defined when plotted as color curves, that the primary and secondary minima are neither eclipses by a secondary star nor eclipses by a hot spot. It is suggested that the primary minimum in the visual light curve is the eclipse of a region of intense optical emission in the magnetic field near the surface of a degenerate dwarf by that dwarf itself.

Priedhorsky, W. C.↗

Interstellar propagation and the relative spectra of cosmic ray electrons and positrons

The interstellar origin and propagation of cosmic ray electrons and positrons are discussed on the basis of radio observations and direct measurements of cosmic ray spectra. Data on the galactic nonthermal radio spectrum are indicated which imply an exponent of -2.2 for the interstellar electron spectrum below 2 GeV and suggest, together with direct cosmic ray evidence, that the spectrum steepens to -3.2 at higher energies. Comparison of the radio data for higher energies with earth-based measurements reveals that the position of the break in the spectrum is dependent on the strength of the interstellar magnetic field and thus all measured intensity values are equally valid. Analysis of the homogeneous model of cosmic ray electron and positron propagation reveals that the limits on propagation parameters are independent of the set of cosmic ray measurements considered, and predict an injection spectral index for electrons of -2.24, an energy loss parameter of 1.5 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the -16th/GeV per sec, a path length of 7.5 times the 0.33 power of the ratio of initial to measured energies (in g/sq cm), average interstellar hydrogen density of 0.22/cu cm and a cosmic ray age of 25 million years. The absence of short cosmic ray lifetimes is shown to affect the interstellar electron spectrum above 100 GeV.

Webber, W. R.↗

Low-energy charged particle observations in the 5-20 Jupiter-radius region of the Jovian magnetosphere

Ion (greater than 0.5 MeV) and electron (greater than 30 keV) measurements made by the low-energy charged particle instrument during the Voyager 1 and 2 traversals of the 5-20 Jupiter-radius region of the Jovian magnetosphere are presented. The spatial morphology of particle intensities, energy spectra, and composition is emphasized. Diffusive radial transport is also discussed. The Jovian magnetosphere seemed to be much more disturbed during the Voyager 2 passage than during that of Voyager 1. Significant inbound-outbound asymmetries of the radial profiles of intensities are observed; an appropriate magnetic field model to provide closure has not been found. Low-energy electrons are not enhanced or depleted in the Io torus region except at the inner edge, about 5.2 Jupiter-radius, where they sharply decrease. This may be due to enhanced electron loss associated with a region of increased plasma density.

Armstrong, T. P.↗

The new solar magnetograph for the Canary Islands Observatory THEMIS

THEMIS was designed for accurate polarization measurements in order to determine the intensity and direction of the magnetic field without interference with the local variations of the thermodynamical parameters. That goal leads to the following requirements: (1) high spatial resolution in horizontal direction; (2) sufficient resolution in height, which requires observations in several spectral lines with a sufficient spectral resolution; (3) accurate polarization measurements; (4) adequate time coverage to follow the evolution of individual structures; (5) precise tracking and scanning mechanisms; and (6) sufficient field of view for the different observed structures. The design of the instrument is discussed in detail.

Rayrole, J.↗

Detailed examination of a plasmoid in the distant magnetotail with ISEE 3

Details of an investigation of a lone plasmoid encountered by the ISEE-3 spacecraft in February 1983 are reported. ISEE-3 was then at 217 earth radii distance, in the magnetosheath, and had entered the magnetotail. Intense energetic particle, plasma and magnetic field fluctuations were detected, indicating a large electron flux moving tailward, a suprathermal proton flux, a jump in electron temperature, and inverse signatures of an increasing magnetic field. Closed magnetic field lines were also detected as were IMF field lines around the plasmoid and open field lines connecting the earth with space. The hot particles in the plasmoid are concluded to have been magnetically confined in a boundary one earth radius thick. An earthward directed beam was also detected and was found to balance the tailward flux. The origin and characteristics of the beam were not discerned.

Hones, E. W., Jr.↗

The making of an Alfvenic fluctuation: The resolution of a second-order analysis

Ulysses observations of the high speed polar streams show that they are largely occupied by very large amplitude Alfvenic fluctuations accompanied by many rotational discontinuities. These fluctuations have a nearly constant magnetic intensity or amplitude, and the magnetic field direction per wave cycle sweeps only through a limited arc, much as a car wiperblade would do. Barnes and Hollweg (JGR, 79, 2302, 1974) suggested that this unusual waveform could arise from an obliquely propagating and linearly polarized Alfven wave of finite amplitude. From a second-order analysis, they showed that the existence of a particular solution with a constant amplitude but could not resolve the outcome of the homogeneous solution which consisted of fast waves. They suggested that Landau damping of these fast waves may be needed to get the observed waveform. We present a 1 1/2 D hybrid simulation which is fully nonlinear and correctly describes the ion kinetics for an initially monochromatic and linearly polarized Alfven wave propagating obliquely to the background magnetic field. The wave has a large amplitude and a wavelength so long that it can be considered dispersionless for simulation times. At early times, the second harmonic in density and in magnetic field transverse to the initial wave magnetic field are generated and have more power than other harmonics. Steepening is observed with a weak fast shock emerging, but no rotational discontinuity is left behind, and instead a constant amplitude and an arc-shaped waveform is made. The compressional component which develops after the shocks have dissipated is to zeroth order better described as a pure acoustic wave than as a fast wave. This might be explained by the relaxing of the Alfven wave to a state where its ponderomotive force vanishes so that the compressional component can travel almost independently of it.

Vasquez, Bernard J.↗