Injun 5 observations of low-energy plasma in the high-latitude topside ionosphere
Journal Article
·
· J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
The two Air Force Geophysics Laboratory low-energy spherical electrostatic analyzers aboard Injun 5 have provided observations which are used in conjuction with simultaneous Lepedea observations to study the energetic and ambient thermal plasmas in the evening sector topside ionosphere. Significant thermal electron flux enhancements are observed in the vicinity of the inverted V structures which could be due to either auroral return currents or ionospheric scale height changes. Enhanced hyperthermal (E>28 eV) fluxes of positive ions, as well as vehicle potential modulations, are observed as the satellite passes through inverted V events. At 2500 km the polar cap electron density, temperature, and energy density were 89 +- 41cm/sup -3/, 2234 +- 480/sup 0/K, and 16.2 +- 5.8 eV/cm/sup 3/, respectively. Higher energy densities were found during times of magnetic disturbance. Persistent fluxes of hyperthermal electrons are identified with the polar rain observed with Isis 2 experiments. Finally, evidence is cited for the existence of small-scale (20 km) structures within the region of plasma sheet precipitation.
- Research Organization:
- Regis College Research Center, Weston, Massachusetts 02193
- OSTI ID:
- 6779570
- Journal Information:
- J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:A5; ISSN JGREA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Thermal and hyperthermal electron distributions in the midnight sector of the winter topside ionosphere. Environmental research papers
Thermal structure of the topside ionosphere observed by INJUN 5 during an intense magnetic storm. Environmental research papers
Injun 5 low-energy plasma observations during a major magnetic storm
Technical Report
·
Sun Nov 27 23:00:00 EST 1977
·
OSTI ID:6687801
Thermal structure of the topside ionosphere observed by INJUN 5 during an intense magnetic storm. Environmental research papers
Technical Report
·
Sun Nov 27 23:00:00 EST 1977
·
OSTI ID:6681338
Injun 5 low-energy plasma observations during a major magnetic storm
Journal Article
·
Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1978
· J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
·
OSTI ID:7050207