Multipoint Observations of Oval-aligned Transpolar Arc Formation

We analyze changes in field-aligned currents associated with auroral oval-aligned transpolar arc formation during quiet times on time scales of a few minutes. This is accomplished using observations from the highly accurate multipoint magnetic field measurements provided by the Space Technology 5 mission which consists of three micro-satellites in low Earth orbit. Simultaneous measurements of precipitating particles are provided by three DMSP satellites. We analyze field-aligned currents associated with the dusk oval. For the first time we observe the field-aligned currents associated with the formation of an oval-aligned transpolar arc poleward of the auroral oval which in one case are large compared with the field-aligned currents associated with the auroral oval measured 10 minutes earlier. These events clearly illustrate the dynamic nature of oval-aligned arc formation.