The structure and dynamics of the Jovian energetic particle population
Abstract
The comprehensive measurements performed by the Galileo spacecraft allowed for the first time to study in detail a planetary magnetosphere other than the Earth's one. The observations confirmed besides similarities the existence of significant differences. In contrast to the solar wind-controlled terrestrial magnetosphere, the plasma convection in the magnetosphere of Jupiter is driven by the fast planetary rotation up to considerable distances from the planet. Furthermore, strong internal plasma sources give rise to dynamical processes unknown from Earth. We will review the structure and dynamics of the Jovian system as deduced from energetic particle observations, focussing on the particle convection pattern, the formation of a near-Jupiter neutral line, substorm-like instabilities, and outer boundary layer processes. We will address their relevance for the high-latitude aurorae at Jupiter and discuss the relative importance of internal and solar wind energy sources.
- Publication:
-
34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002cosp...34E.936W