Physics of Heavy Ions in the Magnetosphere.
Abstract
Magnetospheric ions heavier than protons are important as test-particle probes of magnetospheric dynamical processes, but they are at least equally important for the major roles that they (notably He(+), He(++), and O(+) ions) play as active participants in natural phenomena. Studies of He(+) and He(++) ions of energy E > 100 keV yield quantitative information about the mechanisms responsible for magnetospheric radial diffusion. Helium ions at lower energies serve as test particles to distinguish between ionospheric sources and solar sources of magnetospheric plasma.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA054617
Entities
People
- John Cornwall
- Michael Schulz
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation