Exploring fast pulsations in the auroral ionosphere using ground-based all-sky imager observations conjugate to THEMIS electric field measurements
Abstract
We present high resolution, both spatially and temporally, all-sky imager observations from Poker Flat, Alaska and Kangerlussuaq, Greenland that are conjugate to in situ electric field measurements from the THEMIS spacecraft. Recent observations of the large scale spatial and temporal characteristics of pulsating aurora closely parallel those of typical chorus element spacing, most notably from THEMIS and its Ground Based Observatory conjunctions. Furthermore, during times of fast pulsations registered in ground-based images, the THEMIS electric field data also show enhancements in the power consistent with the frequency range of whistler mode chorus and electron cyclotron harmonic waves. We present analysis of several auroral events over Alaska and Greenland and high resolution electric field data from THEMIS, exploring the connection between enhanced wave power in situ and active fast pulsating as well as diffuse aurora. Such a connection could enable identification of the wave modes responsible for pitch-angle scattering electrons into the loss cone.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFMSM33A2137S
- Keywords:
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- 2431 IONOSPHERE / Ionosphere/magnetosphere interactions;
- 2704 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Auroral phenomena;
- 2712 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Electric fields