MEASUREMENTS OF ENERGETIC ELECTRONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE SUNWARD MAGNETOSPHERIC BOUNDARY WITH EXPLORER XIV,
Abstract
Observations with the satellite Explorer XIV to radial distances of 16RE (earth radii) on the generally sunward side of the earth establish the mean geocentric radial distance of the magnetospheric boundary near the sun-earth line as approx. 11RE during May-August 1963. Isolated 'spikes' of electrons were often but not always observed in a transition region of radial thickness 2 to 3 RE beyond the magnetospheric boundary. The geocentric radial distances of both the magnetospheric boundary and the outer boundary of the transition region increase with increasing angle from the sun-earth line toward local evening and the latter boundary apparently lies beyond 16RE on the local sunset meridian. Electrons of energies exceeding 1.6 MeV were observed in localized 'hot spots' in the transition region near local morning, implying further heating of electrons in the solar plasma as it flows around the magnetosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0604657
Entities
People
- J. A. Van Allen
- L. A. Frank
Organizations
- Iowa State University