SOLAR WIND, MAGNETOSPHERE AND VAN ALLEN RADIATION BELT,
Abstract
The structure of the earth's Van Allen belts was studied in some detail. In order to understand the trapping of charged particles by the earth's magnetic field the fundamental principles of orbit theory are reviewed and the significance of adiabatic invariants discussed. Using a model for the magnetosphere, the various charged particle drifts are analyzed in nonhomogeneous magnetic field traps. It is shown that the Van Allen belts are divided into inner and outer zones with altitudes at the equator ranging from 600 km in the western hemisphere to 1600 km in the eastern hemisphere. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 24, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0682812
Entities
People
- G. A. Skuridin
- I. N. Shvachunov
- V. D. Pletnev
- V. P. Shalimov
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center