Circular Polarization of the 1. 4 GHz Emission from Jupiter's Radiation Belts
Abstract
Measurements of the 1.4 GHz emission from Jupiter made when DE was 3°·1 show the circular polarization to vary from +0.8 to -1.1% as the planet rotates. The rms scatter of the points about the mean curve is only 0.09%. Expressed as a function of Jovian magnetic latitude the polarization at first increases linearly but beyond latitudes ∼7° the curve flattens. This shape requires that the radiating electrons have a pitch angle distribution similar to that inferred earlier from the beaming and linear polarization. The magnitude of the circular polarization requires an equatorial magnetic flux density in the belt of about 0.3G, consistent with the Pioneer results. Compared with measurements made one orbital period earlier, the total flux density has decreased by 15%, but the beaming has not changed appreciably.
- Publication:
-
Icarus
- Pub Date:
- December 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0019-1035(76)90065-8
- Bibcode:
- 1976Icar...29..455R
- Keywords:
-
- Circular Polarization;
- Jupiter (Planet);
- Microwave Emission;
- Planetary Radiation;
- Radiation Belts;
- Angular Distribution;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Pitch (Inclination);
- Planetary Rotation;
- Radiant Flux Density;
- Synchrotron Radiation