Observations of 3-D Reconnection and Dynamics of Electron Scale Thin Current Sheets with Small Satellite Separation
Abstract
A variety of spacecraft separation distances, together with different constellation orientations, are important to fully investigate neutral sheet dynamics and the complex geophysical phenomena that occur there. Beginning on June 20, 2007, two of the four Cluster satellites were in orbit in a formation with only 17km separation. The new orientation, with two spacecraft very close together, provided an excellent opportunity to study thin neutral sheets and to investigate the micro- and meso-scale dynamics of critical magnetospheric phenomena. In this talk, we will concentrate on several reconnection events in magnetotail region with small separation distances and high resolution fields, particles and waves data. We will show the results from a study of dynamics and structure of thin current sheets and the structure of the 3-D magnetic null on the electron scale. We also will investigate the related particle dynamics, the characteristics of waves and plasma flows in the vicinity of the reconnection site.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008AGUFMSM22A..06D
- Keywords:
-
- 2451 Particle acceleration;
- 2723 Magnetic reconnection (7526;
- 7835);
- 2744 Magnetotail;
- 2772 Plasma waves and instabilities (2471)