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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
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NASA NTRS1976

Mercury and Mars - The role of ionospheric conductivity in the acceleration of magnetospheric particles

Although Mercury and Mars appear to have magnetospheres of comparable size, Mercury's magnetosphere accelerates charged particles, whereas Mars' magnetosphere apparently does not. We propose that this difference results from the fact that rapid steady-state convection, and the associated particle acceleration, cannot occur in a Martian magnetosphere because of its connection to a highly conducting ionosphere. Mercury, which has no conducting ionosphere and probably an insufficiently conducting surface, can exhibit rapid solar-wind-induced convection and hence particle acceleration in its magnetospheric tail.

Hill, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Magnetosphere of Saturn

Models of the Saturnian magnetosphere based on the application of magnetospheric scaling relations to a spin-aligned planetary magnetic dipole, that produces a surface equatorial field strength in the range 0.5 to 2 gauss, exhibit the following properties: (1) The orbit of Titan lies inside of the magnetosphere essentially all of the time, even when variations in the size of the magnetosphere resulting from solar wind pressure changes are taken into account; (2) the Brice-type planetary plasmasphere reaches a peak density of about 10 protons cm/3 at L approximately 7 (L = planetocentric distance in units of planetary radii); (3) Saturn's rings have a profound effect on the energetic particle population and the plasmaspheres derived from interstellar neutrals and Titan's torus; (4) the model calculation suggests that the Titan-derived plasmasphere may be self-amplifying with a feed-back factor greater than unity, which implies the possibility of a non-linearly saturated, highly inflated Saturnian magnetosphere; and (5) this same source can have important eroding effects on the outer edge of the rings determined by Brown-Lauzerotti sputtering rates.

Siscoe, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Compression of Jupiter's magnetosphere by the solar wind

Simultaneous sets of interplanetary and planetary data obtained by Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 are compared with a view toward identifying major changes in the solar wind and their possible influence on the Jovian magnetosphere. The results are discussed relative to variations in magnetopause location, pressure balance at the magnetopause, acceleration of energetic trapped radiation, plasma density from the response time of the Jovian magnetosphere, and time constants of magnetospheric circuit models. A major finding is that three out of four cases in which the Pioneers reentered the magnetosheath are the result of time variations associated with changing interplanetary conditions. The compressibility of the Jovian magnetosphere is enhanced because the field inside the magnetopause is not the planetary field but is primarily caused by currents inside the magnetosphere, presumably the equatorial current sheet.

Smith, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere

The current status of the understanding of the dynamics of Jupiter's magnetosphere is reviewed. A brief summary is presented of the concepts and processes which were identified as being of probable importance by pre-Pioneer 10 and 11 work (both theoretical and observational). The insights provided by the in situ Pioneer flights are then discussed. The Jovian magnetosphere consists of several relatively distinct regions: the inner magnetosphere, the intermediate magnetosphere, the outer magnetosphere, a transition region just inside the magnetopause, and the magnetosheath. The basic particle and magnetic field characteristics of these regions are summarized, and the dynamical processes which are currently thought to be significant in each of them are reviewed. Finally, some outstanding questions and problems are identified for future treatment based on Pioneer data or on data from the upcoming Voyager and Galileo missions.

Goertz, C. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Voyager 2 - Energetic ions and electrons in the Jovian magnetosphere

The passage of Voyager 2 through the Jovian magnetosphere demonstrated that this magnetosphere is highly variable, even as close as 10 Jupiter radii from the planet. The cosmic-ray subsystem measured the flux, elemental composition, and anisotropy of energetic particles. Its high sensitivity was particularly valuable during the long passage through the magnetotail, where particle fluxes were orders of magnitude less than in the inner magnetosphere and approached interplanetary values. The new data confirm earlier observations that the Jovian magnetosphere is a giant accelerator of particles - electrons, protons, and heavy ions, including sulfur. Both spatial and temporal changes are observed in the magnetosphere as compared to prior observations with Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1. It is suggested that the 10-hr modulation of interplanetary Jovian electrons may be associated with the arrival at the dawn magnetopause of a rarefaction region each planetary rotation.

Vogt, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Workshop on the Physics of Planetary and Astrophysical Magnetospheres, Snowmass, Colo., July 30-August 4, 1978, Proceedings

The paper presents theoretical and observational works in the field of planetary and astrophysical magnetospheres. The magnetospheres of earth and Jupiter are analyzed along with pulsar magnetospheres and X-ray source magnetospheres. Consideration is given to coherent radio emissions in space and astrophysics and collective radio emissions from plasmas. Theories of magnetospheres around accreting compact objects are also presented.

Kennel, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Pulsar magnetospheres

The structure of both the interior and exterior pulsar magnetosphere depends upon the strength of its plasma source near the surface of the star. We review magnetospheric models in the light of a vacuum pair-production source model proposed by Sturrock, and Ruderman and Sutherland. This model predicts the existence of a cutoff, determined by the neutron star's spin rate and magnetic field strength, beyond which coherent radio emission is no longer possible. The observed distribution of pulsar spin periods and period derivatives, and the distribution of pulsars with missing radio pulses, is quantitatively consistent with the pair production threshold, when its variation of neutron star radius and moment of inertia with mass is taken into account. All neutron stars observed as pulsars can have relativistic magnetohydrodynamic wind exterior magnetospheres. The properties of the wind can be directly related to those of the pair production source. Radio pulsars cannot have relativistic plasma wave exterior magnetospheres. On the other hand, most erstwhile pulsars in the galaxy are probably halo objects that emit weak fluxes of energetic photons that can have relativistic wave exterior magnetospheres. Extinct pulsars have not been yet observed.

Kennel, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Theories of magnetospheres around accreting compact objects

The paper reviews theoretical models of magnetospheres formed around neutron stars and other strongly magnetized compact objects in the presence of mass accretion from a companion star. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of the accretion process with the magnetic field of the compact object and the formation of a magnetosphere. The following models are discussed: magnetospheres with polar funnels; closed magnetospheres and their instabilities; models of internal flow; and disk accretion magnetospheres.

Vasyliunas, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Detection of energetic hydrogen molecules in Jupiter's magnetosphere by Voyager 2 - Evidence for an ionospheric plasma source

The discovery of energetic (approximately 1 MeV/nuc) H3 and H2 molecules in Jupiter's magnetosphere is reported. The data, obtained with the LECP instrument on Voyager 2, showed these molecules to be present throughout the magnetosphere and as far as 180 Jupiter radii from the planet, in the 'magnetospheric wind' region. Although the relative abundances of H3 and H2 do not show a monotonic trend with distance from Jupiter, the intervals of highest abundance were found in the outer magnetosphere. As an example, in the radial range 51-56 Jupiter radii, of the dayside magnetosphere, the abundances of H3 and H2 (0.60-0.95 MeV/nuc) were about 20 and 13-25% that of He, respectively, and the He abundance was about 1-2% that of H. Since H3(+) is expected to be an important constituent of Jupiter's ionosphere, the data provide strong evidence that, in addition to Io, the ionosphere may be an important local plasma source for the Jovian energetic particles. The measurements reported may represent the first detection in nature of molecules at energies as high as 1 MeV/nucleon.

Hamilton, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energetic charged particles in Saturn's magnetosphere - Voyager 1 results

Voyager 1 provided the first look at Saturn's magnetotail and magnetosphere during relatively quiet interplanetary conditions. This report discusses the energetic particle populations of the outer magnetosphere of Saturn and absorption features associated with Titan and Rhea, and compares these observations with Pioneer 11 data of a year earlier. The trapped proton fluxes had soft spectra, represented by power laws in kinetic energy with an exponent of 7 in the outer magnetosphere and 9 in the magnetotail. Structure associated with the magnetotail was observed as close as 10 Saturn radii on the outbound trajectory. The proton and electron fluxes in the outer magnetosphere and in the magnetotail were variable and appeared to respond to changes in interplanetary conditions. Protons with energies greater than or approximately equal to 2 MeV had free access to the magnetosphere from interplanetary space and were not stably trapped outside about 7.5 Saturn radii.

Vogt, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Leakage of magnetospheric ions into the magnetosheath along reconnected field lines at the dayside magnetopause

Strong evidence is presented for escape of magnetospheric particles along reconnected field lines into the magnetosheath, using observations of approximately 30 to approximately 120-keV/charge protons and alpha particles made by the Max-Planck-Institut/University of Maryland instrument on Isee 1. During three magnetopause crossings, which have been identified from tangential stress balance analysis as reconnection events, the magnetospheric particle distribution extends well into the magnetosheath, and the particles in the magnetosheath show a strong anisotropy along the magnetic field. The proton to alpha particle ratio in this layer as well as in distinct bursts within the magnetosheath is the same as this ratio within the magnetosphere (at equal energy per charge). It is concluded that the most likely explanation for these observations is that magnetospheric particles are escaping along reconnected field lines into the magnetosheath. It is argued that magnetospheric particles are seen in the magnetosheath up to the reconnection separatrix, and the magnetosheath bursts are interpreted as multiple encounters of this magnetosheath layer by the satellite due to boundary motions.

Scholer, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Broadband electrostatic noise and field-aligned currents in Jupiter's middle magnetosphere

Voyager 1 plasma wave observations have revealed the presence of an impulsive electrostatic emission localized to the Jovian middle magnetosphere that appears on the edges of the plasma sheet. This plasma mode has the same spectral and morphological characteristics of an emission that has been extensively studied in the earth's magnetosphere and has been associated with the presence of field-aligned currents. The results of a detailed study of the properties of this Jovian emission are presented by using comparisons with terrestrial observations as a basis for mode identification. The occurrence regions of the waves are compared with the measured magnetic field configuration to establish a correspondence with the plasma sheet. It is argued that this is a quasi-permanent global system of field-aligned currents linking the ionosphere of Jupiter to the middle magnetosphere, which powers energetic plasma heating processes occurring there. On the basis of knowledge of the consequences of field-aligned currents in the terrestrial magnetosphere, a scenario for acceleration/precipitation of inverted V electrons, concomitant aurorae, and energetic (approximately 10 keV) proton deposition into the middle magnetosphere resulting from field-aligned potential drops associated with this current system is suggested.

Barbosa, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Low-energy hot plasma and particles in Saturn's magnetosphere

Results of the low-energy charged particle experiment carried by Voyager 2 in the Saturn magnetosphere are presented. Measurements of ions of energy greater than 28 keV and electrons of energies greater than 22 keV revealed the presence of a region containing an extremely hot (30-50 keV) plasma extending from the orbit of Tethys past the orbit of Rhea, and a low-energy ion mantle inside the dayside and nightside magnetospheres. H, H2, H3, He, C and O at energies greater than 200 keV/n were found to be important constituents of the Saturn magnetosphere, at relative abundances suggestive of a solar wind origin. Low-energy electron flux enhancements were observed between the L shells of Rhea and Tethys which were absent during the Voyager 1 encounter, and persistent asymmetric electron pitch-angle distributions were noted in the outer magnetosphere in conjunction with the hot ion plasma torus. Signatures of the passage of Tethys and Enceladus through the magnetosphere were found, although not at the positions predicted by dipole magnetic field models.

Krimigis, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Structure and dynamics of Saturn's outer magnetosphere and boundary regions

In 1979-1981, the three USA spacecraft Pioneer 11 and Voyagers 1 and 2 discovered and explored the magnetosphere of Saturn to the limited extent possible on flyby trajectories. Considerable variation in the locations of the bow shock (BS) and magnetopause (MP) surfaces were observed in association with variable solar wind conditions and, during the Voyager 2 encounter, possible immersion in Jupiter's distant magnetic tail. The limited number of BS and MP crossings were concentrated near the subsolar region and the dawn terminator, and that fact, together with the temporal variability, makes it difficult to assess the three dimensional shape of the sunward magnetospheric boundary. The combined BS and MP crossing positions from the three spacecraft yield an average BS-to-MP stagnation point distance ratio of 1.29 +/- 0.10. This is near the 1.33 value for the Earth's magnetosphere, implying a similar sunward shape at Saturn. Study of the structure and dynamical behavior of the outer magnetosphere, both in the sunward hemisphere and the magnetotail region using combined plasma and magnetic field data, suggest that Saturn's magnetosphere is more similar to that of Earth than that of Jupiter.

Behannon, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Interaction between a magnetized plasma flow and a strongly magnetized celestial body with an ionized atmosphere - Energetics of the magnetosphere

Findings on the interaction between a magnetized plasma flow and a strongly magnetized celestial body are described, emphasizing the energetics of the magnetosphere and some astrophysical implications. It is shown that the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere constitutes a dynamo whose power is modulated by the magnetized plasma flow. The varying with time of the flow speed, the magnetic field magnitude, and the latter's orientation are studied along with the reasons for the variation. The mode of dissipation of the generated power in the magnetosphere is investigated. As a preliminary, the basic solar wind conditions in the heliosphere are analyzed. It is shown how a flare-generated disturbance propagates in the heliosphere and how the dynamo power is modulated as the solar wind disturbance collides with the magnetosphere. The origin of geomagnetic storms and auroral phenomena in the dissipation of power in the magnetosphere is detailed.

Akasofu, S.-I.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Jupiter's magnetic field and magnetosphere

Among the planets of the solar system, Jupiter is unique in connection with its size and its large magnetic moment, second only to the sun's. The Jovian magnetic field was first detected indirectly by radio astronomers who postulated its existence to explain observations of nonthermal radio emissions from Jupiter at decimetric and decametric wavelengths. Since the early radio astronomical studies of the Jovian magnetosphere, four spacecraft have flown by the planet at close distances and have provided in situ information about the geometry of the magnetic field and its strength. The Jovian magnetosphere is described in terms of three principal regions. The inner magnetosphere is the region where the magnetic field created by sources internal to the planet dominates. The region in which the equatorial currents flow is denoted as the middle magnetosphere. In the outer magnetosphere, the field has a large southward component and exhibits large temporal and/or spatial variations in magnitude and direction in response to changes in solar wind pressure.

Acuna, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Magnetospheric models

Of the planetary magnetospheres which have been explored, Jupiter's is by far the largest. It is a magnetosphere largely dominated by rotational effects. As such, it offers unique insight to the study of inaccessible pulsar magnetospheres. The present investigation is concerned with theoretical concepts which are believed to be consistent with available observations. It has been found that Io, the innermost of the Galilean satellites, is the principal source of plasma for the Jovian magnetosphere. The Io source is considered along with the solar-wind source, the ionospheric source, other satellite sources, and variations of the temperature and the content of the Io plasma torus with time. The rotation of Jupiter as the dominant source of energy for magnetospheric phenomena is discussed along with aspects of the Io-Jupiter interaction. Attention is also given to particle acceleration, and spin periodicity.

Hill, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers program

In order to study the access of solar wind ions to the magnetosphere, together with the processes that transport and accelerate magnetospheric particles, the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) mission will release and monitor lithium and barium tracer ions in both the solar wind and the magnetosphere. A single, massive release of barium in the dawn magnetosheath will in addition create a visible artificial comet in the flowing solar wind plasma, within which studies of a range of different plasma effects will be undertaken. The AMPTE will obtain comprehensive measurements of natural magnetospheric particle populations' elemental composition and dynamics. AMPTE comprises three spacecraft: the Ion Release Module, the Charge Composition Explorer, and the United Kingdom Subsatellite.

Krimigis, S. M.↗