Evidence for a distance (>8,700 R/sub j/) Jovian magnetotail: Voyager 2 observations

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL009i008p00885· OSTI ID:6717691

Lepping, R P; Burlaga, L F; Desch, M D; Klein, L W

A correlative survey of Magnetometer (MAG) and Planetary Radio Astronomy (PRA) 1.2 kHz continuum radiation measurements from Voyager 2 provide evidence for at least eight distant Jovian magnetotail sightings occurring about once a month over the first 2/3 of 1981 at distances of approx.5,000 to approx.9,000 R/sub j/. The occurrences of these events are in good agreement with prior Plasma Wave Science and Plasma Science identifications. Observations of these distant magnetotail, or tail filament, encounters appear most prevalent in both MAG and PRA data sets when the spacecraft was closest to the Jupiter-Sun axis at approx. =6,500 R/sub j/ from the planet; the PRA events are also most intense during those times. A specific tail encounter occurring in mid-February 1981 is analyzed and shown to possess a remarkably symmetric structure in its central region. Tail bipolarity is characteristic of most of the eight events.

• Research Organization: Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, NASA/Gooddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
• OSTI ID: 6717691
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 9:8; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
JUPITER PLANET
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOSPHERE
MAGNETOTAIL
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLANETS
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES
VOYAGER SPACE PROBES