Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991jgr....96.1647z&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 96, Feb. 1, 1991, p. 1647-1660.
Physics
8
Energetic Particles, Magnetohydrodynamic Waves, Planetary Magnetic Fields, Solar Planetary Interactions, Solar Wind, Uranus (Planet), Bow Waves, Energy Spectra, Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Low Frequencies, Shock Waves, Wave Propagation, Uranus, Alfven Waves, Ions, Downstream, Energetic Particles, Solar Wind, Spacecraft Observations, Voyager 2 Mission, Magnetic Field, Calculations, Bow Shock, Velocity, Frequencies, Amplitude, Origin, Formation, Protons, Stability, Lecp Instrument, Distance, Magnetosphere
Scientific paper
Low-frequency waves have been observed in the solar wind downstream from Uranus. These waves are observed by the Voyager spacecraft for more than 2 weeks after the encounter with Uranus and are present during this period whenever the interplanetary magnetic field is oriented such that field lines intersect the Uranian bow shock. The magnetic field and velocity components transverse to the background field are strongly correlated, consistent with the interpretation that these waves are Alfvenic and/or fast-mode waves. The waves appear to propagate along the magnetic field lines outward from Uranus and are right-hand polarized. Theory suggests that these waves are generated in the upstream region by a resonant instability with a proton beam streaming along the magnetic field lines. The solar wind subsequently carries these waves downstream to the spacecraft location. These waves are associated with the presence of energetic ions observed by the low-energy charged particle instrument. These ions appear two days after the start of the wave activity and occur thereafter whenever the Alfven waves occur, increasing in intensity away from Uranus. The ions are argued to originate in the Uranian magnetosphere, but pitch-angle scattering in the upstream region is required to bring them downstream to the spacecraft location.
Belcher John W.
Richardson John D.
Smith Walter C.
Zhang Minghui
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