The Nearly Instantaneous Global Pattern of Auroral Electron Precipitation for AE<100 nT.
Abstract
The nearly instantaneous global pattern of the auroral electron precipitation is determined for quiet periods using auroral images from the spacecraft Dynamics Explorer The use of global scale images to determine these patterns provides improved temporal and two dimensional spatial resolution not possible with highly localized and less frequent in situ particle measurements made with low altitude, polar orbiting spacecraft. The analysis is of far ultraviolet images at wavelengths 120-160 nm obtained during periods when the magnetic index AE is less than 100 nT and decreasing with time. The orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field is also considered in this analysis. Analysis of the patterns for magnetically quiet intervals is a necessary first step in determining the global precipitation pattern for the growth, expansion, and recovery phases of auroral substorms. These nearly instantaneous patterns will provide improved estimates of the energy input on a global scale for investigations of thermospheric storms and related aeronomic phenomena by other researchers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA308929
Entities
People
- David W. Hembroff
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology