Observation of a Hydromagnetic Wave in the Earth's Magnetosphere.
Abstract
Measurements of a continuous hydromagnetic micropulsation event, which occurred in the pre-dawn magnetosphere on July 29, 1979, are reported as observed by wave and particle instruments onboard the P78-2 (SCATHA) spacecraft. Calculations of the Poynting vector make it clear that the wave is a traveling Alfven wave guided by the earth's magnetic field line. Plasma densities are calculated at L = 7. The phase relationship between the plasma flux and the electromagnetic fields is investigated. A self-consistent set of particle density and particle velocity data is determined, in order to verify the measurement of the electric field. Current magnetospheric models predicting Alfven wave speeds, Alfven wave periods and plasma densities are supported by the study. Keywords: PC5 Micropulsations; Magnetosphere models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188942
Entities
People
- John W. Patterson Iii
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School