Proposed Priority Science Operations Topic
Topic 'COORDINATED POLAR CUSP OBSERVATIONS '
Topic Description
The dayside polar cusps are the magnetic
projections of those regions of magnetospheric flux, which are
directly connected to the interplanetary magnetic field imbedded in
the solar wind. These regions are surrounded by magnetic field-lines
which are connected to the entire magnetospheric boundary layers,
from the subsolar
magnetopause to the distant flanks. The ionospheric footprint of the
magnetospheric cusp exhibits very dynamic and transient features.
Convection flow bursts, current vortices and precipitation patches
occur repeately during times of active solar wind conditions.
Different mechanisms such as flux transfer events, pressure pulses, and fast
magnetic configuration changes during variations in the IMF direction
can produce cusp transients. However, the exact physical mechanisms
and their relative role and effectivity in the energy transfer from
the solar wind to the magnetosphere are not yet understood. Furthermore,
dayside transients may also trigger nightside substorm activity or other
responses in the magnetotail.
Co-ordinated measurements with ground based instruments
with satellite measurements are required to address these issues.
EPOCH/ORBIT CHARACTERISTICS
POLAR observations coordinated with ground-based instrumentation CUTLASS, ESR, MIRACLE,
and Svalbard scanning photometers during the dark moon period on Svalbard this
Decemeber 1998 (16/12 - 23/12). Interval : 0700 to 1300 UT. Optimum days (ie regards GEOTAIL
and IMP-8 coordination are 18/12 and 23/12).
POLAR DATA REQUIRED
UVI, Visible and X-ray imaging of the Auroral oval.
POLAR DE-SPUN PLATFORM OPERATIONS
Orientation dedicated towards Svalbard.
OTHER ISTP MISSIONS/ISTRUMENTS REQUIREMENTS
ESR. CUTLASS, MIRACLE, Svalbard Scanning Photometers, GEOTAIL, IMP8, WIND, FAST
Topic Proposed by: Paul Eglitis
e-mail: paul@irfu.se
Maintained by:
Last updated: Aug. 4, 1998