The Structure and Dynamics of Jupiter's Magnetosphere

The Structure and Dynamics of Jupiter's Magnetosphere
Author: Marissa Farland Vogt
Publisher:
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2012
Genre:
ISBN:

Eight spacecraft have now visited the Jovian system and obtained a wealth of information about Jupiter's magnetosphere and aurora, both of which have proved to be very different from what we observe at the Earth. These differences are due in part to unique features such as large magnetospheric scale sizes, an internal plasma source from the moon Io, and a rapid planetary rotation period. These features have important influences on Jupiter's magnetosphere structure and dynamics, which are the focus of the three studies described in this dissertation. The first study is a survey of magnetometer data from the Jovian magnetotail to search for signatures of magnetic reconnection, an important dynamic process in planetary magnetospheres. Reconnection is thought to be predominantly internally driven at Jupiter. We have identified 249 reconnection events from the magnetometer data, and have analyzed their spatial distribution and periodicity to establish where and how often reconnection occurs at Jupiter. Results, including the location of a statistical separatrix, are compared to previous studies of flow bursts and particle anisotropies. The second study establishes a new model for relating auroral features to sources in the middle and outer magnetosphere. At Jupiter the polar aurora mapping is highly uncertain because global field models are inaccurate beyond ~30 Jovian radii. The open/closed field line boundary is also not well defined because Jupiter's main auroral emissions are associated with the breakdown of plasma corotation rather than the polar cap. Therefore our mapping model, which uses a flux equivalence calculation rather than tracing global models, provides a more precise mapping of the polar aurora and allows us to identify the size and location of Jupiter's polar cap. In the final study, we use a large scale kinetic simulation to examine the effects of centrifugal forces arising from Jupiter's rapid rotation and non-adiabatic field line stretching in the noon to dusk local time sector. We examine changes to the pitch angle and energy distributions and conclude that the changes arising from the non-adiabatic stretching effects could account for the field dipolarization and plasma sheet thickening observed between noon and dusk.

Physics of the Jovian Magnetosphere

Physics of the Jovian Magnetosphere
Author: A. J. Dessler
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 572
Release: 1983
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521520065

A valuable reference work for those doing research in magnetospheric physics and related disciplines.

Jupiter

Jupiter
Author: Fran Bagenal
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 776
Release: 2004-11-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521818087

Comprehensive volume that summarizes our understanding of the jovian system.

Jupiter

Jupiter
Author: Tom Gehrels
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1270
Release: 1976
Genre: Science
ISBN:

The Magnetodiscs and Aurorae of Giant Planets

The Magnetodiscs and Aurorae of Giant Planets
Author: Karoly Szego
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 333
Release: 2016-08-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781493950126

Readers will find grouped together here the most recent observations, current theoretical models and present understanding of the coupled atmosphere, magnetosphere and solar wind system. The book begins with a general discussion of mass, energy and momentum transport in magnetodiscs. The physics of partially ionized plasmas of the giant planet magnetodiscs is of general interest throughout the field of space physics, heliophysics and astrophysical plasmas; therefore, understanding the basic physical processes associated with magnetodiscs has universal applications. The second chapter characterizes the solar wind interaction and auroral responses to solar wind driven dynamics. The third chapter describes the role of magnetic reconnection and the effects on plasma transport. Finally, the last chapter characterizes the spectral and spatial properties of auroral emissions, distinguishing between solar wind drivers and internal driving mechanisms. The in-depth reviews provide an excellent reference for future research in this discipline.

Magnetic Fields in the Solar System

Magnetic Fields in the Solar System
Author: Hermann Lühr
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 428
Release: 2018-01-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319642928

This book addresses and reviews many of the still little understood questions related to the processes underlying planetary magnetic fields and their interaction with the solar wind. With focus on research carried out within the German Priority Program ”PlanetMag”, it also provides an overview of the most recent research in the field. Magnetic fields play an important role in making a planet habitable by protecting the environment from the solar wind. Without the geomagnetic field, for example, life on Earth as we know it would not be possible. And results from recent space missions to Mars and Venus strongly indicate that planetary magnetic fields play a vital role in preventing atmospheric erosion by the solar wind. However, very little is known about the underlying interaction between the solar wind and a planet’s magnetic field. The book takes a synergistic interdisciplinary approach that combines newly developed tools for data acquisition and analysis, computer simulations of planetary interiors and dynamos, models of solar wind interaction, measurement of ancient terrestrial rocks and meteorites, and laboratory investigations.

The Magnetospheres of the Earth and Jupiter

The Magnetospheres of the Earth and Jupiter
Author: V. Formisano
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 480
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401017891

The Symposium 'The Magnetospheres of the Earth and Jupiter' (May 28th-June 1st, 1974 in Frascati) was organized by the 'Laboratorio Plasma Spazio' of the CNR, on the occasion of its moving to the Frascati area. The main theoretical topic was to be covered by N. Brice, but he died on January 31st, in a plane crash at Pago Pago (Samoa). It seemed appropriate to all of us to honor Neil Brice by renaming the meeting: 'Neil Brice Memorial Symposium'. The Symposium covered problems of magnetospheric dynamics, of both the Earth and Jupiter, with emphasis on the comparison between the two objects. The collaboration of American scientists participating in the recent NASA plan etary missions has made it possible to have new important scientific results presented to and discussed by the scientific community. Of the many people who helped to make the meeting such a success, very special thanks goes to Prof. C. Kennel ofU.C.L.A. whose contribution to the organization of this symposium has been extremely important.

Jupiter

Jupiter
Author: John W. McAnally
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2007-12-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1846287278

With the increasing sensitivity of the equipment available to the home astronomer, and increasing interest in celestial bodies, this Springer series is a huge helping hand to skywatchers who want to hone their skills. Astronomers' observing guides provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observation techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments. The book reviews the latest findings and satellite observations of Jupiter, as well as presenting superb pictures of Jupiter taken by McAnally himself, who proceeds to explain to the reader how to arrive at such beautiful results.