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Mathematical representation of the auroral oval

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
A curve fitting procedure for mathematically representing the auroral oval is described. It is shown that the Feldstein ovals and quiet auroral ovals of the night side in DMSP photographs can be approximated by an offset circle, pulse a small (approximately-less-than 1degree magnitude) Fourier component in corrected geomagnetic coordinates. Parameters are introduced, THETA and (theta$sub 0$, phi$sub 0$), that indicate the dynamic motion of the auroral oval size and center location, respectively. Using the parameter THETA, an analysis of several DMSP photographs shows a strong correlation between the southward interplanetary magnetic field (-B)) and the size of the auroral oval.
Research Organization:
Physics Department and Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Ca. 94720
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-003894
OSTI ID:
4161308
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 2; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English