Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere

Details Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere

Feb 1976

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976jgr....81..457f&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 81, Feb. 1, 1976, p. 457-468.

Physics

26

Jupiter Atmosphere, Magnetospheric Proton Density, Pioneer 10 Space Probe, Planetary Magnetospheres, Plasma Probes, Decametric Waves, Electrostatic Probes, Europa, Io, Planetary Magnetic Fields, Plasmapause, Proton Energy, Ring Currents, Solar Wind

Scientific paper

This paper presents an analysis of observations of large intensities of low-energy protons deep within the Jovian magnetosphere which were made by Pioneer 10 with an electrostatic plasma analyzer having an energy range from 108 eV to 4.80 keV. A proton density profile plotted against the earth-received time of the satellite signals reveals four significant plasma features: (1) a 'plasmasphere' with relatively high proton densities, located inside the flux tubes of Io at 6 Jupiter radii and extending toward the planet to at least 2.8 radii; (2) a 'plasmapause', on which Io's flux tubes are positioned; (3) a sparse sporadic zone beyond Io, extending out to 8 Jupiter radii; and (4) a ring current beginning at 8 radii, which extends outward in the form of a thin plasma disk and in which Europa is embedded. The thermal energies of the protons in each zone are determined, and it is suggested that Jupiter's ionosphere is the source of these protons. It is noted that the relationship of Io to the 'plasmapause' is probably of fundamental importance to that satellite's modulation of Jovian decametric radio emissions.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observations of plasmas in the Jovian magnetosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1298650