Magnetospheric Plasma Studies Using Data from the Dynamics Explorer High and Low Altitude Plasma Instruments.
Abstract
The reported research focused primarily upon plasma processes in and near the plasma cusp. The following areas were studied: plasma injection and transport in the mid-altitude polar cusp; observations of counterstreaming electrons at high altitudes; observations of upward electron beams and their relationship to region 1 Birkeland currents; observations of the electron population responsible for the 6300A SAR arc emission, polar rain observations; polar wind observations; and observations of ion and electron acceleration events produced by parallel electric fields. The primary observing platform for the research reported here was Dynamic Explorer 1 (DE-1). The DE-1 High Altitude Plasma Instrument (HAPI) consists of five electrostatic analyzers mounted in a fan-shaped angular array at angles of 45, 78, 90, 102, and 135 deg. with respect to the spacecraft spin axis. Each analyzer makes differential measurements of electrons and positive ions over an energy/charge range of 5 eV/e to 32 keV/e. Energy stepping proceeds at commandable rates of up to 64 sec, providing three-dimensional plasma distribution functions at the six second spin rate or DE-1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA169010
Entities
People
- J. N. Barfield
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute