Particles and Fields in the Outer Solar System
Abstract
Space probe missions to the outer planets can provide in situ measurements of the electromagnetic fields, the charged and neutral particles, and the cosmic rays in the unexplored regions of the outer solar system and the local interstellar medium. The physics of these distant regions is now known only through theoretical and model extrapolation of observations made near 1 AU and through remote sensing. These methods have inherently large uncertainties and shortcomings. We review here the relevant solar system physics, the astrophysics, and the plasma-physics questions associated with the media in the remote solar system, and we indicate what in situ measurements are needed to resolve remote sensing ambiguities, to verify or reject theoretical predictions, and to provide data not obtainable by existing methods.
- Publication:
-
Icarus
- Pub Date:
- March 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0019-1035(75)90129-3
- Bibcode:
- 1975Icar...24..333V
- Keywords:
-
- Cosmic Rays;
- Interstellar Magnetic Fields;
- Outer Planets Explorers;
- Solar Wind;
- Cosmic Plasma;
- Interstellar Gas;
- Interstellar Space;
- Plasma Interactions;
- Stellar Winds