Polar and Cluster observations of a dayside inverted-V during conjunction
We investigate particle and fields data during a conjunction of the Polar and Cluster spacecraft. This conjunction occurs near the dayside cusp boundary layer when a dayside inverted-V was observed in the particle data of both satellites. Electron, ion, electric field, and magnetic field data fr...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2007-03-01
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| Series: | Annales Geophysicae |
| Online Access: | https://www.ann-geophys.net/25/543/2007/angeo-25-543-2007.pdf |
| Summary: | We investigate particle and fields data during a conjunction of the Polar
and Cluster spacecraft. This conjunction occurs near the dayside cusp
boundary layer when a dayside inverted-V was observed in the particle data
of both satellites. Electron, ion, electric field, and magnetic field data
from each satellite confirm that the dayside inverted-V (DSIV) structure is
present at the location of both satellites and the electric fields persist
from the altitude of the Polar (lower) spacecraft to the altitude of the
Cluster spacecraft. We observe accelerated, precipitating electrons and
upward ions along the magnetic field. In addition, large amplitude electric
fields perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field seen by Polar and by
Cluster suggest significant parallel electric fields associated with these
events. For similar DSIV events observed by the Polar spacecraft, plasma
waves (identified as possible Alfvén waves) have been observed to
propagate in both directions along the magnetic field line. Future
conjunctions will be necessary to confirm that DSIVs are associated with
reconnection sites. |
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| ISSN: | 0992-7689 1432-0576 |