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Alfven wave refraction by interplanetary inhomogeneities

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res., v. 78, no. 13, pp. 2043-2053
Pioneer 6 magnetic data reveal that the propagation direction of Alfven waves in the interplanetary medium is strongly oriented along the ambient field. Magnetic fluctuations of frequencies up to 1/30 sec in the spacecraft frame are shown to satisfy a necessary condition for Alfven waves, and a variance matrix analysis is used to determine the Alfven wave normal. It appears from this analysis that geometrical hydromagnetics may satisfactorily describe deviation of the wave normal from the background field. The rotational discontinuity is likely also to propagate along the field lines. (auth)
Research Organization:
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-29-003302
OSTI ID:
4418202
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res., v. 78, no. 13, pp. 2043-2053, Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res., v. 78, no. 13, pp. 2043-2053; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English

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