A possible mechanism for <theta> aurora formation
A mechanism for the formation of <theta> aurora connected with the development of an interchange instability on the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) is suggested. The PSBL is assumed to be deep inside the region of closed magnetic field lines. A system of equations connecting cur...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
1995-07-01
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| Series: | Annales Geophysicae |
| Online Access: | https://www.ann-geophys.net/13/698/1995/angeo-13-698-1995.pdf |
| Summary: | A mechanism for the formation of
<theta> aurora connected with the development of an interchange
instability on the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) is suggested. The PSBL is
assumed to be deep inside the region of closed magnetic field lines. A system of
equations connecting currents in the ionosphere and magnetosphere is solved
numerically. It is found, using realistic ionospheric and magnetospheric
parameters, that in a period of 8–10 min a system of plasma bars directed to the
Sun arises at high latitudes. The system of bars is about 1000 km in width and
3000 km in length and approximates the Θ aurora. The suggested
mechanism allows an explanation of a number of Θ aurora features
such as the appearance probability, electric field directions, energy spectra of
precipitating particles, and its location. |
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| ISSN: | 0992-7689 1432-0576 |