Viking Data Analysis
Abstract
The polar orbiting Swedish research satellite, Viking, obtained extensive data on auroral zone phenomena. Data from the Viking Hot Plasma Experiment have been analyzed to investigate auroral acceleration and the transport of plasma between the ionosphere and magnetosphere. A detailed statistical study was made of the relative location of ionospheric ion acceleration with respect to various magnetospheric plasma boundary signatures. The results indicate that the ion acceleration occupies a much wider latitudinal extent of the auroral zone than is expected by many current models; and that the regions of ion acceleration are ordered by, and move with, several magnetospheric plasma boundaries. Multi-spacecraft analyses of transverse ion acceleration broadband low-frequency waves have been performed and indicate that this mechanism is an important factor in transporting plasma into the magnetosphere. Keywords: Auroral ion acceleration; Auroral morphology; Ionosphere magnetosphere coupling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222609
Entities
People
- J. M. Quinn
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space