POLAR MAGNETIC, AURORAL, AND IONOSPHERIC PHENOMENA,
Abstract
Studies of particles and fields in the upper atmosphere of interest in rocket and satellite investigations are described. Integral variants proposed by Longmire and Rosenbluth are applied to auroral particles assumed trapped in the geomagnetic field. These are successfully used, together with computations of the geomagnetic field above the earth, to calculate theoretical auroral isochasms and the northern and southern auroral zones. The lines of force defining the latter intersect the equatorial plane in a nearly circular oval 6.6 to 6.8 earth radii in radius. Possible causes of the aurora, magnetic disturbances, and the outer Van Allen radiation belt are discussed. A theory of auroral morphology based on the stability considerations of plasmas is briefly outlined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0616582
Entities
People
- E. H. Vestine
Organizations
- RAND Corporation