The instruments of the plasma experiment onboard the HELIOS solar probe
Abstract
The plasma experiment on board the solar probe HELIOS, consisting of four instruments designed to investigate the interplanetary plasma, or solar wind, is discussed. The velocity distribution functions of the different kinds of particles are measured. Hydrodynamic parameters of the solar wind plasma can then be derived. Three instruments analyze the positive component of the solar wind (protons and heavier ions with energy-per-charge values from 0.155 to 15.32 kV). Two of them permit an angular resolution in both directions of incidence. One instrument measures electrons in the energy range from 0.5 to 1660 eV with a one-dimensional angular resolution.
- Publication:
-
Final Report Max-Planck-Inst. für Aeronomie
- Pub Date:
- August 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981mpia.reptQ....R
- Keywords:
-
- Helios Satellites;
- Hydrodynamic Coefficients;
- Solar Wind;
- Velocity Distribution;
- Angular Resolution;
- Heavy Ions;
- Plasma-Particle Interactions;
- Solar Physics