Multi-spacecraft analysis to determine the motion of flux transfer events (FTEs)

Using multi-point timing analysis with the four Cluster spacecraft we analyzed more than 100 flux transfer events (FTEs) found on the dayside and flank magnetopause for the year 2002 and 2003. These events had clear bipolar signatures and magnetic field magnitude increases. We compared their locations and calculated velocities with predictions for events generated by the component and antiparallel reconnection models moving with the velocities determined by Cooling et al. (2001) model magnetosheath plasma parameters. Correlations between the events velocities, local magnetic field magnitudes and solar wind velocities were also analyzed. These events are also going to be compared with predictions of MHD numerical simulations for a wide range of spacecraft locations and solar wind conditions.