A model based method for obtaining the open/closed field line boundary from the cusp auroral 6300 Å[OI] red line
Abstract
Ground based optical instruments are invaluable tools for studies of processes associated with the cusps and auroral morphology. In this work we present a method for obtaining the magnetic latitude of the open/closed field line boundary (OCB) from the cusp 6300 Å[OI] auroral red line using a meridian scanning photometer. The method which is based on a pre-defined reference cusp aurora produced by the GLOW model is examined with respect to uncertainties, and we describe how a set of equations describing the error is constructed. The method is applicable to data from optical instruments located at high latitude observation sites such as Svalbard and Antarctica. Equations describing both errors and the mapping altitude for transforming the OCB from instrument centered coordinates to magnetic latitude for instrumentation located in Svalbard (Longyearbyen) are presented. Further, by applying the GLOW model we present results illustrating the great variability in the altitude profile of the atomic oxygen 6300 Å[OI] red line emission in the cusp. A simple calculation showing how a poleward neutral wind will change the latitudinal shape of the cusp aurora is also performed.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics)
- Pub Date:
- March 2012
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2011JA016980
- Bibcode:
- 2012JGRA..117.3319J
- Keywords:
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- Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Airglow and aurora;
- Ionosphere: Auroral ionosphere (2704);
- Ionosphere: Particle precipitation;
- Ionosphere: Instruments and techniques;
- Magnetospheric Physics: Cusp