A Study of Plasma Irregularities in the High-Latitude Region.
Abstract
A summary is given of the work completed under contract F19628-84-C-0126; This work included the engineering of space qualified instruments, data processing services, and scientific study of high latitude plasma irregularities and the physics of the aurora. Design work has been done on a series of plasma instruments for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), the combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES), the Beam Ejection Rocket Technology (BERT) and Ejected Rocket Nosecone to measure induced Emissions (ERNIE) sounding rocket program, and the interactions Measurements Payload for Shuttle (IMPS). The function of the Special Sensor for Ions, Electrons, and Scintillations (SSIES) is described in detail. Computer programs have been written to process DMSP magnetometer data, and DMSP plasma density measurements have been processed to produce a model of the topside ionosphere. A scientific study has been conducted with HILAT data in order to produce an empirical description of high-latitude plasma irregularity production and transport. Data from HILAT has also been used to study small scale processes on the auroral dayside cusp region. Both HILAT and Dynamics Explorer 1 data have been used to study auroral electrodynamics in the ionosphere and above to auroral acceleration region. Research is in progress on a study of the coupling between the magnetotail and the auroral ionosphere using data from both the European Incoherent Scatter radar facility (EISCAT) and the Active Magnetosphere Particle Tracer Explorer Ion Release Module AMPTE IRM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA179910
Entities
People
- D. R. Weimer
- E. M. Basinska-lewin
- J. H. James
- M. E. Greenspan
- P. B. Anderson
Organizations
- Regis University