Rocket studies of particle structure associated with auroral arcs
Abstract
The properties of electron streams encountered on six rocket flights over auroral arcs are summarised and discussed. The streams producing the arcs are compared with those in surrounding regions and with the accompanying positive ions. On the basis of the results, which are fully consistent with others appearing in the literature, it is suggested that the auroral arc is essentially a plasma boundary phenomenon in which electrons are accelerated, not by an electrostatic field, but by resonance with plasma waves generated at the boundary.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Monograph Series
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1029/GM025p0103
- Bibcode:
- 1981GMS....25..103B