CURRENT DENSITIES IN VISUAL AURORAS.
Abstract
The magnetic perturbations associated with quiet auroral forms with a fairly simple geometry (auroral arcs, broad bands, and glow) were studied, using the magnetic records from stations in and near the auroral zone. The north-south spacing between the stations was 60 - 80 kms. From the height distribution of auroral luminosity and the other parameters involved the Pedersen and Hall conductivities were computed as functions of height during the aurora. From these curves it is seen that the vertical thickness of the conducting layer is about 25 km, regardless of whether Hall or Pedersen currents are the dominating depends on the direction of the electric field applied and the possibility of creating a polarization field across the arc or band. It is deduced that in all the auroral forms the current densities must be a few times 10 to the minus 9th power A/sq cm and the electric field of the order of magnitude 0.001 V/cm. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0611324
Entities
People
- A. Omholt
- H. Lorentsen