Correlation of Radar and Satellite Data to Determine Birkeland Current Signatures
Abstract
A set of techniques has been developed for analyzing the particle and magnetometer data from the S3-2 satellite in conjunction with data from the Chatanika radar with the objective of determining radar signatures of Birkeland currents. Computer programs have been completed and tested for handling particle data pitch angle distributions. Limited available joint data from both satellite and radar has indicated a broad sheet current structure with a maximum field perturbation of approximately 75 gamma extending over 5.4 degrees of geomagnetic latitude for orbit 1144. Radar observations indicate a diffuse aurora over the same geomagnetic region. Based on this data and previous sounding rocket data, a tentative conclusion indicates that Birkeland current structures may be present for most stable auroral configurations. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA084241
Entities
People
- Robert J. Spiger
Organizations
- University of Washington