Quiet-Time Observation of a Coherent Compressional Pc-4 Micropulsation at Synchronous Altitude.
Abstract
During a magnetically quiet interval (1740 - 1850 UT), on February 14, 1967, the magnetic-field intensity and energetic electron fluxes (E approximately 0.3 - 2.0 MeV) at ATS 1 exhibited coherent modulations having a frequency of 33.8 cph (period approximately 106.5 sec) and a duration of approximately 40 oscillations. The electron fluxes and the magnetic field oscillated in phase. The field perturbation reached 8 gamma (peak to peak) in the direction of the unperturbed geomagnetic field. The transverse component of the field perturbation was practically zero. The characteristics of the observed oscillations appear compatible with those of a compressional(magnetosonic) excitation of the outer magnetosphere. The substantially radial normal mode is perhaps driven by a bounce-resonant interaction with the 15-keV protons that populate the quiet-day ring current. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0727002
Entities
People
- Carol G. Maclennan
- George A. Paulikas
- Joseph N. Barfield
- L. J. Lanzerotti
- Michael Schulz
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation