Injun 5 low-energy plasma observations during a major magnetic storm

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA083iA07p03217· OSTI ID:7050207

Rao, L D.V.; Burke, W J; Kanal, M; Sagalyn, R C

Electron densities and temperatures as well as omnidirectional fluxes of hyperthermal positive ions (E>28 eV) were measured by means of spherical Langmuir probes aboard Injun 5 at altitudes of >2000 km during a major geomagnetic storm. The electron density in the mid-latitude trough decreased and the temperatures increased during the early phases of the storm. As the strom progressed, the trough's position moved equatorward, plasma depletions being observed to an invariant latitude of 40/sup 0/ during the early recovery phase. Hyperthermal ions detected in the vicinity of the trough were ring current particles reaching to the satellite's altitude. The minimum thermal electron densities in the trough were found to be within 1/sup 0/ of latitude of the maximum ring current flux. Maximum electron temperatures were measured several degrees equatorward of this position. Injun 5 electron temperatures are compared with those measured by Alouette 2 over the reported positions of stable auroral red arcs. The observations are also used to evaluate further a method dveloped Cole (1970) for calculating the positions of the ring current by using ground magnetic fluctuations.

• Research Organization: Regis College Research Center, Weston, Massachusetts 02193
• OSTI ID: 7050207
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:A7; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ION DRIFT
MAGNETIC STORMS
RECOVERY
RING CURRENTS