Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1977
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977jgr....81.2842h&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 81, July 1, 1977, p. 2842-2846.
Physics
Auroras, Earth-Moon System, Magnetohydrodynamic Flow, Magnetospheric Instability, Flow Resistance, Geomagnetic Tail, Periodic Variations, Plasma Layers, Wakes
Scientific paper
A 29.5-day periodicity in the occurrence of auroras may be ascribed to hindrance of a poleward bound plasma flow by the combined effects of the moon and its magnetohydrodynamic wake during the moon's passage through the plasma sheet in the geomagnetic tail. Studies indicate that a diamagnetic cavity, or wake, formed downstream of the moon has the geometry of a Mach cone and is observable in earth's plasma sheet. Calculations suggest that the moon spends approximately two days within the plasma sheet; i.e., at every full moon. During this time a particle cavity with enhanced magnetic field is created within the plasma sheet, and the earthward plasma flow is temporarily hindered. The relatively small number of auroras occurring one to two days before the new moon can thus be accounted for by taking into consideration the geometry of the moon's wake and the geomagnetic tail.
Deehr Charles S.
Henriksen Kim
Romick Gerald J.
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