The near earth current sheet: ISEE-1 and -2 case studies.

D. J. McComas, C. T. Russell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Two crossings of the near Earth current sheet are examined using magnetic field and plasma data from ISEE-1 and 2. The current sheet thickness is measured to be 0.9 Re using a 2 satellite technique which greatly reduces the ambiguity of such measurements. Approximate pressure balance is found to exist between the diamagnetically dominated current sheet and surrounding, already high beta, plasma sheet. The accurate calculation of the sheet normal velocity with the 2 satellite technique allows the calculation of the current density distribution in the sheet. The crosstail current density is found to peak about an ion-gyroradius on both sides of the center of the sheet. A simple model consistent with these results is discussed.-from STAR, 23(14), 1985

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)205-208
Number of pages4
JournalUnknown Journal
StatePublished - Jan 1 1984

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Environmental Science(all)
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)

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