The Length of the Magnetospheric Tail
Abstract
Dessler's [1964] theoretical reasonings lead him to conclude that the magnetosphere has a tail of astronomical length. If the `open model' [Dungey, 1963] is assumed, however, an empirical estimate can be obtained very simply, and it is more reasonable. A line of force of the interplanetary field becomes attached to the earth in the region of local noon and 75° geomagnetic latitude. The terrestrial end of the line then moves over the pole to the night side and the line becomes detached again when the terrestrial end reaches a geomagnetic latitude of about 67°.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- April 1965
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JZ070i007p01753
- Bibcode:
- 1965JGR....70.1753D