Satellite Measurements of Magnetospheric Poynting Flux

Abstract

The first satellite observations of the Magnetospheric Poynting flux are presented for two presented for two passes of the HILAT satellite over the northern polar regions. The simultaneously measured energy input due to precipitating particles is also presented. The Poynting flux is in general agreement with an independent estimate of the Joule dissipation in the upper atmosphere. However, there are localized regions in both orbits of net upward Poynting flux, suggesting a neutral wind dynamo. Evidence for the existence of propagating Alfven waves as well as steady state current systems closed in the ionosphere are also presented. Keywords: Magnetospheric poynting flux, Magnetic field fluctuations, Joule heating, Electric field fluctuations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 09, 1990
Accession Number
ADA224391

Entities

People

  • D. J. Knudsen
  • J. F. Vickrey
  • M. C. Kelley

Organizations

  • SRI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheres
  • Classification
  • Electric Fields
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electron Energy
  • Electrons
  • High Latitudes
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Particles
  • Polar Regions
  • Regions
  • Spacecraft
  • Steady State

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster