Computer Science
Scientific paper
Nov 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992adspr..12...37z&link_type=abstract
(Planetary studies; Proceedings of Symposium 4 and the Topical Meeting of the Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission B /Meeting
Computer Science
2
Neptune (Planet), Planetary Magnetospheres, Solar Planetary Interactions, Space Plasmas, Diurnal Variations, Polar Cusps, Triton, Voyager 2 Spacecraft
Scientific paper
Results from observations made by the Plasma Science experiment on Voyager 2 at Neptune are reviewed. The magnetosphere of Neptune is filled with a tenuous plasma, which consists of at least two components: a light ion, probably H(+) and a heavy ion, probably N(+). Triton's atmosphere or ionosphere is thought to be the source of both heavy and light ions. Much of the low energy plasma in the inner magnetosphere is concentrated near the magnetic equator and near closest approach to the planet. The large tilt of the magnetic dipole axis from the rotation axis produces a dynamic magnetosphere which goes from an earthlike configuration to a pole-on configuration and back every 16 hours. The polar cusp regions change location and size as the planet rotates; at the time of the inbound magnetopause crossing, the phase of Neptune's rotation was such that the spacecraft entered the magnetosphere through the southern polar cusp region. Outbound from Neptune observations made in the magnetosheath show a possible signature of diurnal oscillation of the plasma mantle that grows, shrinks, and rocks, in a diurnal cycle. After the encounter with Neptune's magnetosphere, an upstream wave event was observed when the interplanetary magnetic field connected to the bow shock. The low frequency waves observed appear to be a mixture of Alfvenic and/or fast mode waves propagating away from the planet.
Belcher John W.
McNutt Ralph L. Jr.
Zhang Ming
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