Observations of Precipitating Protons in the Energy Range 2.5 keV = or < E = or < 200 keV,

Abstract

Measurements of precipitating protons in the energy range 2.5 - 200 keV have been made on Ov1-15 (1968-59A), a low-altitude polar satellite, with a combination of electrostatic analyzers and integral foil detectors. During disturbed times, precipitating proton fluxes in the range 10 million - 100 million/sq cm-sec are seen. On several occasions, it has been possible to compare the spatial distribution of precipitation with the plasmapause profile taken by Ogo 5 during all phases of magnetic storm activity. It is found that the near-earth boundary of maximum proton precipitation lies just inside the plasmapause. If observed pitch-angle distributions are classified according to whether the loss cone is nearly empty or otherwise, it is found that the corresponding 40 keV flux intensities and L values separate into two classes in a way described by weak vs strong pitch-angle diffusion. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 15, 1971
Accession Number
AD0728207

Entities

People

  • Henry H. Hilton
  • John Cornwall
  • Paul F. Mizera

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Analyzers
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Boundaries
  • Detectors
  • Diffusion
  • Electrostatic Analyzers
  • Elevation
  • Integrals
  • Intensity
  • Low Altitude
  • Magnetic Storms
  • Measurement
  • Precipitation
  • Spatial Distribution

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space