Multiple spacecraft observations of interplanetary shocks: four spacecraft determination of shock normals

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA088iA06p04739· OSTI ID:5914634

Russell, C T; Mellott, M M; Smith, E J; King, J H

ISEE 1,2,3 IMP8, and Prognoz 7 observations of interplanetary shocks in 1978 and 1979 provide five instances where a single shock is observed by four spacecraft. These observations are used to determine best-fit normals for these five shocks. In addition to providing well-documented shocks for furture techniques. When the angle between upstream and downstream magnetic field is greater than 20, magnetic coplanarity can be an accurate single spacecraft method. However, no technique based solely on the magnetic measurements at one or multiple sites was universally accurate. Thus, we recommend using overdetermined shock normal solutions whenever possible, utilizing plasma measurements, separation vectors, and time delays together with magnetic constraints.

• Research Organization: Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Califronia 90024
• OSTI ID: 5914634
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:A6; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
INTERPLANETARY SPACE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES