Magnetic-field fluctuations from 0 to 26 Hz observed from a polar-orbiting satellite

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.24624· OSTI ID:6090216

Erlandson, R E; Zanetti, L J; Potemra, T A

The polar orbit of the Viking satellite provides a unique opportunity to obtain observations of magnetic fluctuations at mid-altitudes on the dayside of the magnetosphere and in the polar-cusp region. One type of magnetic-field fluctuation, observed in the dayside magnetosphere, was Pc 1 waves. Pc 1 waves are in the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron mode and are generated by anisotropies in energetic ion distributions. The waves are thought to be generated near the equator and to propagate large distances along magnetic-field lines. Most observations of Pc 1 waves have been obtained near the equator using geosynchronous satellites and on the surface of the earth. The Viking observations provide an opportunity to observe Pc 1 waves at mid-latitudes above the ionosphere and to determine the spectral structure and polarization of the waves. ULF/ELF broadband noise represents a second type of magnetic fluctuation acquired by Viking. This type of magnetic fluctuation was observed at high latitudes near the polar cusp and may be useful in the identification of polar-cusp boundaries. Thirdly, electromagnetic ion-cyclotron waves have also been observed in the polar-cusp region. These waves occur only during an unusually high level of magnetic activity and appear to be generated locally.

• Research Organization: Applied Physics Lab., The Johns Hopkins Univ., Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD (US)
• OSTI ID: 6090216
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States) Vol. 17:2; ISSN ITPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700108* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Wave Phenomena
700202 -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Magnet Coils & Fields
CYCLOTRON RESONANCE
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
FLUCTUATIONS
ION CYCLOTRON-RESONANCE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA WAVES
POLAR CUSP
RESONANCE
SATELLITES
VARIATIONS